The Australian government has issued fresh travel warnings for Tanzania, Uganda and Gabon in the wake of deadly Marburg virus outbreaks.
Travellers have been urged to “exercise a high degree of caution” to avoid the hemorrhagic fever virus, which is considered extremely dangerous.
The World Health Organisation has warned that the fatality rate of the virus ranges from 24 to 88 per cent.
Symptoms of Marburg (MVD) include fever, vomiting blood, diarrhoea and fatigue.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised the best way to prevent exposure via the SmartTraveller website.
“The Tanzanian Government has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus in the Bukoba District in Kagera Region,” it reads.
“You should take steps to reduce potential exposure to the virus, including practising good hygiene and avoiding high-risk activities.”
Tanzania announced its first outbreak two weeks ago, after five fatalities and three further cases were reported in the country’s north-west Kagera region.
The government deployed an emergency response team to the area and neighbouring countries in an attempt to contain the outbreak.
MVD stems from the Ebola family, and there have been several outbreaks since its discovery in 1967.
At present there are no vaccines or treatments for MVD.
However, a focus on rehydration and managing patient's blood and oxygen levels can increase chances of surviving infection.