Attempts to contain Marburg disease epidemic have limited effect

An outbreak of Marburg haemorrhagic fever in Angola that has so far affected 205 people, killing 180 of them, does not yet seem to be under control despite high level international efforts. The disease is rare, has a high mortality, and has no vaccine or treatment. It had not been seen in Angola before this epidemic began in late 2004.

The latest number of deaths was announced in a statement released last Friday by the World Health Organization. WHO has also launched an appeal, through the United Nations, for funding to support the emergency response to the outbreak. WHO needs $2.4m (£1.3m; €1.9m) to support the Ministry of Health in Angola to intensify ongoing operations in the field. …