Ghana has identified two cases of the deadly Marburg virus, marking the first time the Ebola-like disease has been found in the west African nation, the Guardian reports. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) said the cases were confirmed by the Pasteur Institute in Senegal.
GHS head Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said: "This is the first time Ghana has confirmed Marburg virus disease." The GHS added 98 people identified as contact cases were under quarantine.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak. Regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti said: "Health authorities have responded swiftly, getting a headstart preparing for a possible outbreak. This is good because without immediate and decisive action, Marburg can easily get out of hand. WHO is on the ground supporting health authorities and now that the outbreak is declared, we are marshalling more resources for the response.”
