Health Alert: U. S. Embassy Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

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February 17, 2022

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Malabo (February 17, 2023)

Location: Equatorial Guinea

Event: As of the morning of February 17, there have been no new confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Equatorial Guinea (EG) or the surrounding countries. Two suspected cases were detected across the border in Cameroon, but blood samples of both individuals tested negative for both MVD and Ebola. Authorities in EG, Cameroon, and Gabon are increasing health surveillance and testing for any individuals displaying possible MVD symptoms, so reports of suspected cases will likely increase in the days and weeks ahead.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to support EG’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MINSABS) to assist those impacted by the outbreak and to prevent the virus from spreading further. The Kie-Ntem province in the mainland region of EG remains under a general quarantine, and travel out of the province is not allowed, except by medical workers.

The U.S. Embassy will continue to send out regular updates to U.S. citizens living in or traveling to EG until health officials declare an end to the crisis. These alerts will also be posted to the Embassy’s website here. More information on MVD can be found on the CDC’s website.

Actions to Take:

Immediately report to a qualified medical professional if you experience fever, muscle soreness, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or hemorrhaging.
Avoid contact with any individuals experiencing these symptoms or any people who have had contact with individuals displaying those symptoms.
Do not eat or handle bushmeat, especially monkeys and other primates. Avoid contact animal cadavers for any reason.
Avoid caves or other areas where fruit bat populations reside.
Practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing.
Avoid large gatherings and wear a mask when in enclosed spaces.
Do not attend wakes or funerals.
Do not attempt to travel to the Kie-Ntem province or surrounding areas until MINSABS and the WHO advise it is safe to do so.
If you reside in the Kie-Ntem province and/or are subject to the quarantine, alert the U.S. Embassy and follow instructions given by WHO and MINSABS officials.
Do not attempt to cross the land border between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon or Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Monitor news programs and websites to stay abreast of new health announcements from the government.
Check your email regularly for additional updates from U.S. Embassy Malabo.