The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a travel notice for travelers to Ghana based on confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD). The notice is Watch – Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions.
On July 17, 2022, Ghana declared an outbreak of MVD. Four confirmed cases have been reported in the Adansi North District, Ashanti region and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, Savannah Region. The World Health Organization (WHO)is working with local health authorities to identify cases and conduct case investigations, strengthen surveillance, identify sources of transmission, and educate communities about the risks and dangers of MVD.
Travelers to this area should avoid contact with sick people that may have symptoms (e.g., fever, muscle pain) and avoid contact with blood and other body fluids from other people. Travelers should also avoid contact with fruit bats and the caves and mines where they live. Travelers should avoid sick non-human primates and should not consume bushmeat. Travelers should seek medical care immediately if they develop fever, chills, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising during or after travel (up to 21 days).
Marburg virus disease is a rare and deadly disease that periodically causes outbreaks in several African countries. It is spread by contact with blood or body fluids of a person infected with MVD. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects or infected animals, such as bats and sick nonhuman primates like chimpanzees.
Actions to Take and Further Information:
- Health Information for Travelers to Ghana
- CDC Marburg website
- Travelers’ Health Ebola and Marburg website
- WHO Marburg Virus Disease
- Travel health and medical evacuation insurance
· All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
For Consular Assistance:
· U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana
o Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
o Email: ACSAccra@state.gov
· Country Information Page for Ghana
· State Department – Consular Affairs
o +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
