International travel and health

Case of Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever imported into the United States

CDC’s Special Pathogens Branch retrospectively diagnosed a case of Marburg hemorrhagic fever in a U.S. traveller. The patient developed illness four days after returning to the U.S. in January 2008, was hospitalized, discharged, and fully recovered. The patient was reportedly exposed to fruit bats during a cave visit and this case acts as a reminder that travellers should be aware of the risk of acquiring Marburg hemorrhagic fever and other potentially fatal diseases such as rabies after contact with bats, or their immediate environment. Healthcare providers should be aware of the risk of viral hemorrhagic fever among travellers returning from endemic countries, and should report any suspected cases immediately to their health department.

For more information:
WHO Marburg haemorrhagic fever website and WHO's "International travel and health"
chapters 5 and 6