Equatorial Guinea has confirmed another eight cases of the deadly and "highly virulent” Marburg virus, bringing its total to nine since an outbreak was declared last month. Meanwhile, a total of eight cases have been recorded in Tanzania, Sky News reports.
Marburg virus causes Ebola-like symptoms including haemorrhagic fever, which can result in people bleeding to death. It currently has no vaccine or treatment and depending on the strain of the virus, has a fatality rate of up to 88 per cent.
The two outbreaks of Marburg in Africa, on opposite sides of the continent, could lead to a new push to fast-track testing of vaccines by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Five of the eight victims in the east African country of Tanzania have died, including a health worker.
