What is the Marburg virus, which has claimed two lives in Africa?

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2022

Two people have died from the Marburg virus in Ghana, with up to 100 people in quarantine

The Marburg virus traces back to monkeys imported from Uganda. But it has been linked to many other animals since then.

It started with two large outbreaks of the virus, which occurred simultaneously in the German town of Marburg and Frankfurt, and in Belgrade, Serbia.

This led the World Health Organisation to formally identify the virus in 1967, after 31 people became infected.

In fact, there was an outbreak in 2005, where over 300 people were killed in Angola.

The virus’ common symptoms include fever, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and extreme blood loss.

In Europe, one person has died in the past 40 years. Likewise, in the U.S. one person has died after returning from Africa.

Should I be concerned?

Ghana is in the grips of a Marburg outbreak, where two people have been killed. It is understood fatality rates range from 24 to 88 per cent.

The World Health Organisation says the virus can get out of hand, but notes local health authorities have responded swiftly.

“Many people go on to bleed from various parts of the body and die eight to nine days after first falling ill, because of extreme loss of blood and shock.”
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

Patients have been described as “ghost-like”, with a “deep set of eyes”, and “extreme lethargy”.

Critically, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for the Marburg virus.

However, the World Health Organisation believes rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and the treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.

How can I avoid it?

People remain infectious with Marburg for as long as their blood contains the virus.

The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people.

The World Health Organisation says healthcare workers have been infected while previously treating patients.

“Transmission via contaminated injection equipment or through needle-stick injuries is associated with more severe disease, rapid deterioration, and, possibly, a higher fatality rate.”
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

Similar to the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation recommends “good outbreak control” that uses a “range of interventions, namely case management, surveillance and contact tracing”.

AI stocks surge amid market shifts and spending warnings

AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.

Published

11 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Harvey Vargas

AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.

The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a major driver of growth for both the U.S. and global economies. Companies at the forefront of AI innovation are influencing market trends and reshaping industries worldwide.

Meta’s stock has rebounded slightly following reports of potential cost-cutting measures and job reductions in its Reality Labs division. Investors are watching closely as the company adjusts its strategy to manage rising expenses and optimize innovation.

Palantir is trading at over 120 times forward sales and 180 times forward earnings, signaling investor confidence but also raising questions about valuation risks. Meanwhile, Nvidia maintains a market cap of $4.2 trillion as a leading AI chip supplier, yet competition is ramping up.

These moves highlight the growing tension between tech giants’ AI ambitions and the practical need to balance profits with heavy R&D spending.

Some analysts, however, warn that rapid growth may not be sustainable, with current levels of AI-related spending potentially overshooting realistic returns.

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News

AI investments set to surge in 2026 as companies target productivity gains

Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.

Analysts predict that artificial intelligence companies could invest over $500 billion in 2026, signaling a major shift in corporate spending priorities. This surge in capital allocation comes as businesses look to harness AI to drive growth and efficiency across multiple sectors.

Following strong third-quarter earnings, overall capital spending estimates for 2026 have been revised upward. However, investors are becoming more selective, focusing on companies that can clearly demonstrate revenue benefits from their AI investments, separating hype from tangible results.

AI adoption is expected to boost economic productivity, with significant investment already flowing into AI infrastructure such as semiconductors and data centres. The coming year could redefine how companies leverage technology to gain a competitive edge.

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Stocks, AI and the economy: What to expect in 2026

2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Harvey Vargas

2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!

2025 has been a rollercoaster for investors, with AI hype, tariffs, and global politics shaking up markets. We break down what these trends mean for your portfolio and the risks ahead.

Joining us for insights is Kyle Rodda from Capital.com, who explains how Treasury yields, unemployment data, and inflation readings are shaping investor sentiment. We also dive into what the Federal Reserve’s recent moves could mean for 2026.

From the potential impact of a 43-day government shutdown to payroll numbers and market expectations, this episode gives you the clarity you need to navigate the next year in stocks.

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