Key points
An outbreak of Marburg disease occurred in Equatorial Guinea from February - June 2023. This was the country's first Marburg disease outbreak, which resulted in dozens of deaths.
An outbreak of Marburg disease occurred in Equatorial Guinea from February - June 2023. This was the country's first Marburg disease outbreak, which resulted in dozens of deaths.
Outbreak overview
On February 13, 2023, the Government of Equatorial Guinea (GREG) declared a Marburg disease outbreak, the country's first outbreak of the disease. Cases were reported in several provinces, including Kie-Ntem, Littoral, and Centro Sur. The government declared the outbreak over on May 15, with 16 confirmed illnesses and 12 deaths. One additional lab-confirmed sample was never linked to a specific patient since the sample was unlabeled. An additional 23 probable cases, all of whom died, were also reported during this outbreak.
In response to a request from the GREG, CDC deployed staff with expertise in viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) and laboratorians to set up a mobile testing lab. The CDC team assisted with the response, providing guidance and support for identifying and tracking illnesses, and laboratory testing and training to local laboratorians.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak over on June 8, 2023, 42 days after the last patient was discharged from treatment.
