In the News
Marburg case in traveler to Uganda
This information is current as of today, October 11, 2008 at 10:04
Updated: July 21, 2008
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported that a woman from The Netherlands recently died from Marburg hemorrhagic fever (Marburg). She got sick after returning from a trip to Uganda.
The traveler was most likely exposed to Marburg virus after entering a cave with large numbers of bats. The cave is in the Maramagambo Forest in western Uganda (at the southern edge of Queen Elizabeth Park). She had direct contact with a bat while in the cave.
Travelers should know that there are serious health risks associated with visiting caves in the Maramagambo Forest in Uganda and in other areas of Africa. These risks include diseases spread by bats, such as Marburg, rabies, and histoplasmosis. The Uganda Ministry of Health has advised people not to enter any caves or mines where bats may live.
Recommendations for U.S. Travelers
The main ways that travelers may get Marburg virus are through direct contact with a person very sick with Marburg or through direct contact with infected bats, monkeys, or other wild animals that may be infected.
The risk of Marburg for travelers is very low. However, travelers should take the following steps to help protect themselves.
- Avoid direct contact with bats and other wild animals. Travelers should not enter caves where bats may live.
- Go to a doctor right away if you have a fever AND you have visited bat-infested caves in Africa during the past three weeks. Tell the doctor that you have been around bats.
- If you are bitten or scratched by an animal or if body fluid (such as saliva) from the animal gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound, take these steps:
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Go to a doctor or hospital right away.
- Consider buying medical evacuation insurance if you are visiting a country where there may not be good access to medical care.
Travelers can contact the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance in finding a doctor. U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. To contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, dial 00 1 202-501-4444 if calling from overseas.
Additional Information
CDC Information about Marburg
Information about Marburg hemorrhagic fever imported to The Netherlands
