WHO: Marburg Outbreak Not Over; Death Toll Climbs to 235
The World Health Organization says the outbreak of deadly Marburg fever in northern Angola is not yet over. According to the U.N. health agency, the deadly hemorrhagic fever has so far killed 235 people - all of whom are believed to have contracted the disease in Uige province.
WHO spokesman Dave Daigle says health experts are still finding cases, indicating the transmission cycle has not been broken.
He also says mobile U.N. teams working to contain the outbreak are meeting stiff resistance from some Angolans, who fear the health experts are spreading the Ebola-like virus.
Marburg is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids.
Experts fear that contact with victims' bodies during burial rites may be one way the virus is spreading.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AFP.
'''April 19, 2005'''

Angola marked''credit: Vardion of Wikipedia
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.
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