Following the recent report of a Dutch tourist who died of Marburg haemorrhagic fever upon her return to the Netherlands after visiting caves in Uganda in June 2008, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers avoid entering caves, where bats may be present, in countries known to harbour the Marburg haemorrhagic virus.
Marburg haemorrhagic fever is a severe, highly infectious and rapidly fatal disease. It is caused by a virus that is in the same family of viruses that cause Ebola haemorrhagic fever. It is called a haemorrhagic fever because in its most extreme form, victims haemorrhage (bleed) from multiple places on their body. There is currently no commercially available vaccine or medication to prevent infection.
Countries known to harbour Marburg haemorrhagic viruses are Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although the risk posed by Marburg haemorrhagic fever for international travellers is considered to be very low, PHAC advises travellers to avoid entering caves, where bats may be present, in countries known to harbour the Marburg haemorrhagic viruses.
PHAC advises travellers to seek medical attention immediately if they develop a fever within 21 days of visiting the caves in the countries known to harbour the Marburg haemorrhagic virus.
PHAC strongly recommends that:
- You consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic ideally at least six weeks prior to international travel, regardless of your destination. This will allow you to:
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- Understand your health risks
- Learn personal preventative measures you may need while travelling
- Know what vaccines to get and when to get them
If you get sick while travelling or become sick after returning to Canada
- Inform your health care provider of your symptoms
- Without being asked, tell him/her where you have been and what, if any, treatment or medical care you have received while travelling (e.g., blood transfusions, injections, dental care, and surgery).
Know before you go!
General travel health advice
Food and Water Precautions
PHAC strongly recommends key principles regarding food and water precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to disease.
