DENVER, Feb 9, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Health officials say they've treated
the first known case of Marburg hemorrhagic fever in the United States.
An unidentified patient treated a year ago at Lutheran Medical Center in Denver
was later found to have the disease, apparently contracting it in Uganda, the
Rocky Mountain News reported Monday.
Hospital officials told the newspaper they are working with the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control
to determine the risk to doctors and staff members who came in contact with the
patient.
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus indigenous to Africa, is
transmitted by contact with infected animals or the bodily fluids of infected
humans. The News said the patient, who recovered, came into contact with fruit
bats in Uganda, which are capable of harboring the Marburg virus.
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