Description of the situation
4 April 2005
As of 2 April, the Ministry of Health, Angola has reported 163 cases of Marburg haemorrhagic fever. Of these, 150 have been fatal. Cases have been identified in Uige, Luanda, Cabinda, Malange, and Kuanza Norte provinces. Uige remains the epicentre of the outbreak. To date, all cases detected in other provinces are thought to have originated in Uige.
Five mobile surveillance teams in Uige continue to investigate rumours and search for additional cases. More than 100 contacts are being followed up.
WHO is working with the Ministry of Health to finalize a national plan of action for control of the outbreak, including sustained technical and operational support from WHO and international partners in GOARN. WHO anticipates that implementation of this plan will require significant assistance from the international community.