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CDC Issues Travel Advisory Over Marburg Virus

FLORENCE PANOUSSIAN/AFP via Getty Images

Kay Smythe News and Commentary Writer
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reissued a travel advisory Friday as a result of the ongoing spread of a deadly Ebola-like virus.

The CDC issued a “practice enhanced precautions” alert due to the ongoing outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea. Marburg is a similar virus to Ebola, causing hemorrhagic fevers with upwards of an 80% fatality rate, according to an earlier health advisory from the CDC.

Clusters of Marburg cases have sprung up within multiple districts of Equatorial Guinea (and Tanzania), and travel to the African nation should be reconsidered by all, the CDC says. “There have been cases of Marburg in healthcare workers, which may indicate insufficient infection prevention and control measures in health care facilities,” according to the agency.

The virus spreads through contact with blood and other bodily fluids, as well as contaminated objects, the CDC continued. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, rash and unexplained bruising or bleeding, among other potentially deadly issues, according to the agency. (RELATED: Fungal Outbreak Kills One, Hundreds More Infected At US-Based Paper Mill)

Anyone who has recently traveled to Equatorial Guinea or Tanzania and is feeling sick should contact their local health department immediately, the CDC announced. Contact with all other people should be avoided as soon as possible. And those who recently left either nation should monitor their health for at least 21 days following.