Marburg Virus Travel Ban: Essential Information for Travelers

What is the Marburg Virus?

The Marburg virus is a highly infectious and deadly virus that causes a severe hemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family of viruses as the Ebola virus.

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, or vomit, from an infected person or from contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.

Marburg Virus Travel Ban

In response to the recent outbreak of the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a travel ban for all non-essential travel to the affected areas.

The travel ban is in place to prevent the further spread of the virus and to protect travelers from potential exposure.

Symptoms of Marburg Virus

The symptoms of Marburg virus infection typically appear within 2-21 days after exposure to the virus.

The initial symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches

As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding from the gums, nose, or other orifices
• Organ failure

Treatment for Marburg Virus

There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus infection.

Treatment is supportive and includes:

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
• Electrolytes to replace lost minerals
• Blood transfusions to replace lost blood
• Antiviral medications may be used to treat the virus

Prevention of Marburg Virus

There is no vaccine for Marburg virus infection.

Prevention is based on avoiding contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces.

Travelers to affected areas should:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Avoid contact with bodily fluids from infected people
• Avoid contact with surfaces or objects that may be contaminated with the virus
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• If you have any symptoms of Marburg virus infection, seek medical attention immediately