Marburg virus disease Emergence Unit

The essential

Two outbreaks of Marburg virus disease are currently ongoing: one in Equatorial Guinea since 7 February 2023, and the other in Tanzania since 21 March 2023. It is the first time that this virus has emerged in these countries.

Part of the same family as the Ebola virus (Filoviridae), Marburg virus causes haemorrhagic fevers in those affected and is fatal in 50% of cases on average. Although no treatments or vaccines currently exist, clinical trials are ongoing on several candidates.