Thailand Increases Screening Measures Due to Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia

Ethiopia declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to deploy support teams. Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), provided an update on several confirmed cases in Ethiopia. He mentioned that the Marburg virus causes fever and haemorrhagic symptoms. The virus is believed to originate from fruit bats, with the first outbreak recorded in Marburg, Germany. Infection typically occurs through contact with infected bats in mines or caves. Once transmitted to humans, the virus can spread through bodily fluids, similar to Ebola. The WHO and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention are assisting Ethiopia, reporting 17 suspected cases, nine confirmed cases, and three deaths. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, bloody vomiting, and diarrhoea. Thailand, under the Communicable Disease Act, considers Marburg virus disease severe. Although not reported in Thailand, the country has tightened screening measures for travelers from Ethiopia. Health facilities are on high alert, and suspected cases must be reported within three hours. The public is urged to notify health authorities if they encounter individuals showing symptoms. Prevention measures include avoiding contact with infected animals, washing hands thoroughly, and seeking medical care if symptoms develop.