On 13 February 2023, Equatorial Guinea confirmed the country's first Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. Overall, nine Marburg virus disease cases were reported in Equatorial Guinea, including one confirmed case, four probable, and four suspected cases. Additional suspected cases are under investigation. This is the first Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak reported in Equatorial Guinea. WHO and partners are supporting Equatorial Guinea and neighbouring countries.

Marburg virus is the causative agent of Marburg virus disease (MVD), which has a case-fatality ratio of up to 88%. Marburg virus disease was initially detected in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia. Rousettus aegyptiacus fruit bats are considered natural hosts for the Marburg virus, from which the virus is then transmitted to people.

In the early course of the disease, the clinical diagnosis of MVD is difficult to distinguish from many other tropical febrile illnesses due to the similarities in the clinical symptoms. Other viral haemorrhagic fevers need to be excluded, including Ebola virus disease, as well as malaria, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, rickettsial infections, and plague. Laboratory confirmation can be made by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.  

The BioPerfectus Marburg Virus Real-Time PCR Kit can be used in laboratory settings to quickly and accurately detect RNA from the Marburg virus. This helps to identify cases of infection and prevent the further spread of the disease, especially during outbreaks where rapid identification and response are crucial for curbing the virus. By providing Total PCR Solutions with instruments and kits, BioPerfectus has always been committed to supporting efforts to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.

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