UK tourists warned over virus spreading in 17 countries with 88 per cent fatality rate

UK tourists have been warned over a rise in Marburg virus - with 17 countries now recording cases. UK tourists heading into the European Union for holidays, as well as vacations further afield, have been issued an alert over Marburg.

The clade I strain of mpox, Marburg and Oropouche virus have now been spotted in 17 nations between them, including one Caribbean hotspot. Nations currently affected are Rwanda, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Uganda, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, and Peru.

Several outbreaks of MVD have previously been reported from countries neighbouring Rwanda, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. The most recent outbreaks were reported in Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania between February and June 2023.

READ MORE: Decision announced on plans for Chelmsley Wood restaurant and bar

READ MORE: Amazon halves price of 'amazing' security gadget and homeowners say 'why didn't I get one earlier'

READ MORE Eight popular beers will be axed from UK pubs

The affected region in the United Republic of Tanzania was the Kagera region, which borders Rwanda. Additional countries that previously reported outbreaks of MVD in the African Region included Angola, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, and South Africa.

Marburg affects the body in several ways. It can cause haemorrhagic fever with very high temperatures, muscle pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, and often develops into severe and prolific internal and external bleeding.

While some people can survive Marburg infection, it is one of the deadliest known human diseases. On average, half of all those who become infected with it die, and in some outbreaks, this case-fatality rate has been as high as 88 percent.

Marburg spreads between people through close contact with bodily fluids like, for example, blood, vomit, faeces, urine, of an infected person. The experimental Marburg vaccines include three in early stage, or so called Phase I, trials and one being developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute that has progressed to mid-stage Phase II clinical trials.