Mystery illness kills 7 people in Angola

LUANDA – Seven people have died of a so-far unidentified illness in a province in Angola, which was the epicentre of a major outbreak of the Ebola-like Marburg virus two years ago, says the government.

Health minister Sebastiao Veloso said: “There have been 15 cases, including seven deaths. All have been affected by the contagious illness, which was first recorded 30 days ago in Uige.”Preliminary tests had shown that the victims had not died of the Marburg virus, which claimed the lives of more than 220 people, most of whom came from the northern Uige province, after an outbreak in late 2004.The minister said: “We have sent samples to laboratories in South Africa and the United States.According to the results, no sign of Marburg virus has been discovered.”The victims had all suffered headaches and a yellowing of their eyes.Veloso added: “We are going to continue with our research, with help from the World Health Organisation in order to work out precisely what kind of virus is behind this illness.”Nampa-AFPAll have been affected by the contagious illness, which was first recorded 30 days ago in Uige.”Preliminary tests had shown that the victims had not died of the Marburg virus, which claimed the lives of more than 220 people, most of whom came from the northern Uige province, after an outbreak in late 2004.The minister said: “We have sent samples to laboratories in South Africa and the United States.According to the results, no sign of Marburg virus has been discovered.”The victims had all suffered headaches and a yellowing of their eyes.Veloso added: “We are going to continue with our research, with help from the World Health Organisation in order to work out precisely what kind of virus is behind this illness.”Nampa-AFP