On Apr. 17, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) had been reported in Equatorial Guinea since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 22 March 2023 (with data as of 21 March 2023). Six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) were reported in Equatorial Guinea. This brings the total to 15 laboratory-confirmed and 23 probable cases since the declaration of the outbreak on 13 February 2023. Among the laboratory confirmed there were 11 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio 78.6%; for one confirmed case the outcome is unknown), and all probable cases are dead.

The most affected district is Bata in Litoral province, with nine laboratory-confirmed MVD cases reported. WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health by strengthening different response pillars, including but not limited to surveillance, including at points of entry; laboratory; case management; infection prevention and control; risk communication and community engagement.

MVD is a disease with high mortality that causes haemorrhagic fever, and is among the diseases that require assessment under the International Health Regulations. On 30 March 2023, WHO assessed the public health risk posed by this outbreak as very high at the national level, high at sub-regional level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level. WHO advises against restrictions to international travel and/or trade in Equatorial Guinea.