Yesterday, Equatorial Guinea announced its first outbreak of Marburg virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed nine deaths and 16 other possible infections.

Equatorial Guinea confirms first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak. WHO | Regional Office for Africa.

According to news sources, neighboring Cameroon also suspects two cases of the virus. 

The virus causes extreme fatigue, blood in the vomit, and diarrhea. The WHO reports that the virus spreads quickly and causes a high fatality rate. The virus comes from fruit bats and can easily be spread from person-to-person.

Equatorial Guinea confirms first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak. WHO | Regional Office for Africa.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fruit bats don’t show signs of infection. The only other virus that is related to Marburg is Ebola.

Transmission | marburg (Marburg virus disease) | cdc.

 There is no vaccine or medication to treat the virus. 

Equatorial Guinea confirms first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak. WHO | Regional Office for Africa.

“Without a Marburg virus vaccine, prevention and control are limited by an incubation period up to 21 days in length, during which identification and isolation are not possible," says Scott Cunningham, MD. "As a result, viral spread goes unchecked."

The WHO and other organizations are providing support to help stop the spread of the virus.