Equatorial Guinea confirms 11 Marburg deaths

YAOUNDE, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Equatorial Guinea's Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reported 11 Marburg deaths, according to the country's state-run Equatorial Guinea Press and Information Office.

Deputy Health Minister Justino Obama Nve made the announcement during a plenary of the Senate Tuesday.

He said 1,418 cases have been processed in the laboratory, with 16 cases confirmed as positive, including 11 deceased and three recoveries.

Marburg is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, and contaminated surfaces and materials.