Dr Kourouma Kabinet, public health expert: “Emphasis should be placed on raising awareness of risk factors and protective measures.”
Dr Kourouma Kabinet, public health expert in the Republic of Guinea
What is the origin of this disease?
The Marburg virus disease was detected in 1967 following simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany; and in Belgrade, Serbia. This disease is deadly to humans.
Is there any risk of an epidemic?
Our borders are very porous. There is free movement between states, migration control mechanisms, and our healthcare systems in general are not performing well. Given the human-to-human transmissibility and the extent of the spread of Marburg hemorrhagic fever, it can take a worrying turn. It is therefore clear that if necessary measures are not taken to break the transmission chain, we can affirm that we are at imminent risk of an epidemic.
What is being done to control and contain this disease?
Most hemorrhagic fever diseases (Ebola, Lassa, Marburg, etc.) require significant efforts to control and contain them. Early case management (rehydration and symptomatic treatment) are supportive care. Surveillance and contact tracing (identifying and monitoring all contacts) are critical. Effective laboratories that can provide reliable results are necessary. Dignified and safe burials are needed, as the population requires them. Social mobilization is crucial (community participation is essential to stop outbreaks). Emphasis should be placed on raising awareness of risk factors and protective measures. All of these actions should be led by competent, available, and motivated human resources.
Is Africa ready to handle a major Marburg health crisis?
Based on previous health crises, particularly in Guinea, and an understanding of the challenges associated with managing a health crisis, it is difficult to assert that Africa is fully prepared to handle a health crisis. Our healthcare systems, in general, are not performing well due to a lack of investment in equipment, materials, and human resources. However, we hope that health authorities, governments, and communities will become aware of the devastating effects of epidemics, particularly hemorrhagic virus diseases, on both public health and the economy. We can believe that resilience can quickly be put in place to contain the epidemic.
How to behave to avoid transmission?
One of the key factors in containing epidemic diseases is communication, to promote behaviors that can break the chain of contamination. This is why the media must be a primary choice due to their wide coverage of the population. The media should be involved in managing the disease. To avoid being a carrier, one should avoid close physical contact with patients who have Marburg virus disease. Healthcare workers should wear gloves and personal protective equipment. Regularly washing hands after visiting patients in hospitals or after caring for them at home is essential.
Are there more vulnerable groups than others?
There may be people who are more exposed than others. This is the case for healthcare workers. In addition, populations living in areas with limited access to healthcare, overcrowded areas with poor hygiene, and immuno-compromised individuals are the most vulnerable. Due to the disease-generated fear, it is not excluded that there may be attempts to spread false information. It is therefore more than urgent to put in place effective channels of communication, detection, treatment, and handling of false information.
Should we close the borders?
It is regrettable to have to resort to this measure! Closing borders is not productive. In this world, no one is isolated. We can close official borders, but our states and populations are naturally interconnected. We, therefore, have porous borders. It is necessary to invest in health security with a major focus on health surveillance. At the borders, a system of health migration control should be put in place, and contacts should be monitored wherever they are. There is a need to strengthen awareness among border populations about compliance with the measures enacted, as well as to involve community leaders in decision-making and awareness-raising processes.
Are there similarities between Marburg and Covid-19, and is it possible to hope for a vaccine?
At this point, I think it would be premature to imagine any similarities between Marburg and Covid-19. However, this should not lead us to underestimate the danger that Marburg hemorrhagic fever may pose to public health. With the evolution of science and technology, there is reason to hope that in the coming years, we may have a vaccine. In fact, the search for a vaccine is a priority for health promoters.
Could traditional medicine be an option?
Traditional medicine is recognized by the World Health Organization. It is an integral part of the knowledge to be valued in responding to the numerous challenges related to the mobilization of safe and quality medicines. However, for this case and others, it would be preferable to prioritize practices based on scientific values that are based on evidence and widely accepted in the pharmaceutical world. If traditional practitioners embrace this dynamic, it will be beneficial.
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