Marburg Virus Outbreak

Marburg virus disease is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that affects both people and non-human primates.

On March 23, 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed Marburg virus as the causative agent of an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever in northern Angola.

CDC’s Special Pathogens Branch conducted tests and found the virus in nine of 12 clinical specimens from patients who died during the outbreak.

CDC sent personnel to join WHO and international partners in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network’s response team to assist with epidemiologic investigation, infection control, and laboratory diagnosis. In addition, CDC provided laboratory and other scientific and logistical support.