A SUSPECTED case of Marburg virus has been detected in the south eastern African country of Malawi, raising further concerns of international spread.
Marburg virus is one of the most deadly infectious diseases in the world - and has a 90 per cent fatality rate and epidemic potential, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The central African countries, Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania are facing their first known outbreaks of the bug, for which no vaccine or treatment exists.
At least 35 cases and up to 32 deaths (when including probable fatalities) have now been detected since the outbreak was declared in mid-February, official health data suggests.
Yesterday (April 13), Malawi health authorities confirmed one suspected case of the bug.
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According to Ministry of Health spokesperson, samples taken from the individual have been sent to South Africa to determine the disease.
It comes as cases of Marburg have spread from rural districts in Equatorial Guinea to the main port of the African nation, Bata, increasing the risk of international transmission.
Previously, the WHO said the “the risk of international spread [of Marburg] cannot be ruled out”.
At least four cases have now been detected in the city, which has a population of around 200,000 people, an international airport and links to several neighbouring countries.
Last week, a mysterious 'nosebleed' disease claimed the lives of three people in Burundi, west Africa.
The symptoms appear to point towards some sort of viral haemorrhagic fever, which damages the walls of tiny blood vessels making them leak, such as Marburg and Ebola.
Several countries have since urged citizens not to travel to African countries affected by the Marburg virus outbreak, over fears of international spread.
These countries include Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait.
Australia and the US are urging travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, also affected by the outbreak.
They have also urged citizens and residents to avoid nonessential travel to the provinces where the outbreak is ongoing.
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Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam, has implemented compulsory screening for those people arriving from African countries.
