Chief sanitary doctor was asked about the Marburg virus outbreak in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz - Chairperson of the Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, Kazakhstan's chief state sanitary doctor Sarkhat Beysenova, addressed the question of whether any cases of the Marburg virus have been registered in Kazakhstan.
Responding to journalists, Beysenova reminded that the Marburg virus is characterized by severe symptoms and high fatality rates.

"There are no cases of this virus in Kazakhstan. The World Health Organization reported a new Marburg virus, which is transmitted from bats and has been found in countries of Southern, Western, and Central Africa. The virus is severe, with a high fatality rate and hemorrhagic syndrome. It affects the liver, stomach, and nervous system and spreads through close contact. There is no vaccine or treatment, only symptomatic care," she said.

As Beysenova explained, symptoms of the new virus include high fever, severe headaches, and muscle pain. On the third day, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea occur. On the 5th-7th day, many patients exhibit severe hemorrhagic symptoms—blood loss and loss of consciousness. Lethal outcomes can occur on days 8-9.

"Given the active migration flows, we are alerting to potential routes of infection entering the country. We urge Kazakhstanis traveling to these countries to avoid contact with sick individuals, to be cautious in nature, not to consume unverified meat, to maintain personal hygiene, and to seek medical assistance at the first signs of symptoms," added Sarkhat Beysenova.

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