Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The epidemic of haemorrhaging fever caused by the Marburg virus is not yet under control: in fact there have been more than 200 reported cases, and of these 193 were mortal. This is the most serious epidemic of Marburg, for which there is no cure.
The epicentre of the disease in still the province of Uige, but patients have been identified in six other provinces, all in the north west of Angola. The Angolan authorities are mobilised for this national health crisis which requires national and international attention.
Angola is a poor country which in the past suffered a long civil war. To fund operations of assistance for the coming three months 3.5 million dollars are required to supply protective garments for medical personnel, body bags, emergency and prime necessity medicines. To fight the virus it is necessary first of all to isolate patients, limit contact and warn the population.
The Marburg virus, which takes its name from the German town where it was identified for the first time in 196, is extremely rare. (AP) (11/4/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:20; Parole:214)
