Angolan Marburg virus still threat

April 19, 2005

Fearing that burial rites might be the cause of more cases of the Marburg virus, WHO spokesman Dave Daigle says the transmission cycle has not yet been broken. Cases of persons fallen ill by the virus outside the province of Uige are reportedly connected to visits to that region.

The burial custom there for most families includes the preparation of the body, and kissing and embracing the deceased. The epidemic spreads through contact with body fluids.

The death toll so far, stands at 235 in the epidemic. The Ebola-like fever cannot be treated with any known drugs. The best protection is wearing masks and gloves when in contact with a carrier.