The battle for political and economic influence between the U.S. and China is playing out across Africa. That's what comes through in a recent flurry of high-level U.S. visits to Africa. WION brings you more insights in this report.

US-China rivalry plays out in Africa

US Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to three African countries this month. The trip to Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia comes after a December summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Washington with US leaders and counterparts from Africa.

US VP Kamala Harris to visit Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia to boost Africa links

At least 11 people have died after what is believed to be the longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded hit Malawi triggering floods and landslides in the country’s second-largest city, Blantyre, said the officials on Monday (March 13). Meanwhile, Cyclone Freddy also made its second landfall in Mozambique, late Saturday and brought heavy rains which disrupted transport and communication in the southern African nation. The total death toll in&nbsp;Mozambique and Malawi&nbsp;has risen&nbsp;to nearly 100&nbsp;after the storm in question swept through various regions of the two nations and left&nbsp;a trail of destruction in its wake over the weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The death toll, including in other districts that have been hit in the southern region, has risen to 99... but we expect the number to rise," Charles Kalemba, commissioner at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, said.

What we know so far

Freddy continues to be one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere and last week became the longest-lived tropical cyclone on record. Notably, the previous record was held by a 31-day hurricane in 1994, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This comes as the storm first developed on February 6 between Western Australia and Indonesia has now travelled for 5,500 miles (8,851 km) and is currently wreaking havoc in African nations like Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar.&nbsp;

Reportedly, at least 27 people died in Mozambique and Madagascar when the storm lashed out in the two countries last month. One more person was killed in Mozambique when the cyclone made its second landfall over the weekend, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

What is happening in Malawi?

Malawi police spokesman Peter Kalaya also told the news agency that the aforementioned death toll in the country will likely rise in the upcoming days as the number only accounts for 11 deaths and 16 others missing in Blantyre but not the other 10 districts affected by the storm.&nbsp;

Hours later,&nbsp;Doctors Without Borders (MSF)&nbsp;country director Marion Pechayre told Reuters that&nbsp;Blantyre's&nbsp;central hospital had received around 60 bodies by early afternoon, on Monday while 200 others were being treated for injuries.&nbsp;

“Some missing people are feared buried in rubble,” said Kalaya to Reuters. He added, search and rescue efforts are underway in Chilobwe and Ndirande which are two of the worst affected townships in Blantyre while heavy rains continued on Monday.

According to local police in Malawi, 51 people were killed out of which 36 were from&nbsp;Chilobwe while several&nbsp;others missing or injured, reported the Associated Press. Additionally, the Red Cross which is also working on search and rescue, first aid and hospital evacuations in Malawi took to Twitter and said, "66 people have died in Malawi, 93 injured and 16 people are missing due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy that has affected over 2115 by Monday 13 March."

Cyclone Freddy makes second landfall in Mozambique&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Mozambique has received over a year’s worth of rainfall in the past month or so due to Cyclone Freddy and over the weekend made its second landfall in the country after late last month. According to the French weather agency, Météo-France, the storm may move further inland and cause heavy rains in Mozambique and southern Malawi with possible rains in Zimbabwe and Zambia.&nbsp;

Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology said that the cyclone was initially supposed to make landfall on late Friday but halted over the Mozambique channel. Subsequently, it intensified on Saturday and after regaining its strength made its way inland. The French weather agency had also warned about the “destructive and devastating” winds along with “dangerous seas” and heavy rains in the region which could lead to landslides.&nbsp;

The full extent of the damage and loss of life caused will not be known anytime soon particularly in Mozambique as parts of the country which were affected are witnessing power outages while phone signals were also cut off in some parts.&nbsp;

“We saw a lot of destroyed buildings and clinics. People's homes had their roofs torn off by the wind. Even before the cyclone hit we saw localised flooding,” said Guy Taylor from the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF in Mozambique to Reuters from Quelimane.&nbsp;

This comes as the storm pummelled central Mozambique on Saturday bringing widespread destruction and flooding to the port of Quelimane. So far, at&nbsp;least six people have died in&nbsp;Quelimane which is currently said to be at the centre of this storm, reported Reuters citing authorities and local media reports, on Monday.&nbsp;

The UN agency posted images showing the storm’s impact on “homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas.”

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First drone shots emerging from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quelimane?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Quelimane</a> show the enormous impact of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneFreddy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneFreddy</a> on homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas. <a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNICEF</a> is on the ground, responding, but additional support is urgently needed. <a href="https://t.co/44L5wYoI2c">pic.twitter.com/44L5wYoI2c</a>
— UNICEF Moçambique (@UNICEF_Moz) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEF_Moz/status/1635241549134172161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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While speaking about how humanitarian agencies in Mozambique currently do not have the capacity to deal with a disaster of this magnitude, Taylor also said that&nbsp;the wind had died down on Monday but the widespread floods have destroyed crops and created a risk of waterborne diseases, as per Reuters. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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At least 11 people have died after what is believed to be the longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded hit Malawi triggering floods and landslides in the country’s second-largest city, Blantyre, said the officials on Monday (March 13).

At least 11 people have died after what is believed to be the longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded hit Malawi triggering floods and landslides in the country’s second-largest city, Blantyre, said the officials on Monday (March 13). Meanwhile, Cyclone Freddy also made its second landfall in Mozambique, late Saturday and brought heavy rains which disrupted transport and communication in the southern African nation. The total death toll in Mozambique and Malawi has risen to nearly 100 after the storm in question swept through various regions of the two nations and left a trail of destruction in its wake over the weekend. "The death toll, including in other districts that have been hit in the southern region, has risen to 99... but we expect the number to rise," Charles Kalemba, commissioner at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, said. What we know so far Freddy continues to be one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere and last week became the longest-lived tropical cyclone on record. Notably, the previous record was held by a 31-day hurricane in 1994, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This comes as the storm first developed on February 6 between Western Australia and Indonesia has now travelled for 5,500 miles (8,851 km) and is currently wreaking havoc in African nations like Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. Reportedly, at least 27 people died in Mozambique and Madagascar when the storm lashed out in the two countries last month. One more person was killed in Mozambique when the cyclone made its second landfall over the weekend, as per local media reports. What is happening in Malawi? Malawi police spokesman Peter Kalaya also told the news agency that the aforementioned death toll in the country will likely rise in the upcoming days as the number only accounts for 11 deaths and 16 others missing in Blantyre but not the other 10 districts affected by the storm. Hours later, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) country director Marion Pechayre told Reuters that Blantyre's central hospital had received around 60 bodies by early afternoon, on Monday while 200 others were being treated for injuries. “Some missing people are feared buried in rubble,” said Kalaya to Reuters. He added, search and rescue efforts are underway in Chilobwe and Ndirande which are two of the worst affected townships in Blantyre while heavy rains continued on Monday. According to local police in Malawi, 51 people were killed out of which 36 were from Chilobwe while several others missing or injured, reported the Associated Press. Additionally, the Red Cross which is also working on search and rescue, first aid and hospital evacuations in Malawi took to Twitter and said, "66 people have died in Malawi, 93 injured and 16 people are missing due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy that has affected over 2115 by Monday 13 March." Cyclone Freddy makes second landfall in Mozambique Meanwhile, Mozambique has received over a year’s worth of rainfall in the past month or so due to Cyclone Freddy and over the weekend made its second landfall in the country after late last month. According to the French weather agency, Météo-France, the storm may move further inland and cause heavy rains in Mozambique and southern Malawi with possible rains in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology said that the cyclone was initially supposed to make landfall on late Friday but halted over the Mozambique channel. Subsequently, it intensified on Saturday and after regaining its strength made its way inland. The French weather agency had also warned about the “destructive and devastating” winds along with “dangerous seas” and heavy rains in the region which could lead to landslides. The full extent of the damage and loss of life caused will not be known anytime soon particularly in Mozambique as parts of the country which were affected are witnessing power outages while phone signals were also cut off in some parts. “We saw a lot of destroyed buildings and clinics. People's homes had their roofs torn off by the wind. Even before the cyclone hit we saw localised flooding,” said Guy Taylor from the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF in Mozambique to Reuters from Quelimane. This comes as the storm pummelled central Mozambique on Saturday bringing widespread destruction and flooding to the port of Quelimane. So far, at least six people have died in Quelimane which is currently said to be at the centre of this storm, reported Reuters citing authorities and local media reports, on Monday. The UN agency posted images showing the storm’s impact on “homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas.” First drone shots emerging from #Quelimane show the enormous impact of #CycloneFreddy on homes, schools, and other infrastructure. Flooding is widespread within the city and surrounding areas. @UNICEF is on the ground, responding, but additional support is urgently needed. pic.twitter.com/44L5wYoI2c — UNICEF Moçambique (@UNICEF_Moz) March 13, 2023 × While speaking about how humanitarian agencies in Mozambique currently do not have the capacity to deal with a disaster of this magnitude, Taylor also said that the wind had died down on Monday but the widespread floods have destroyed crops and created a risk of waterborne diseases, as per Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nearly 100 killed after Cyclone Freddy triggers floods in Malawi, Mozambique

Slowly but gradually, Africa is splitting into two. As per research, two major sections of the continent are peeling apart, which could eventually form a new ocean. The colossal breakup is associated with the East African Rift System (EARS), one of the largest rifts in the world.

How Africa is forming two new continents & an ocean as it slowly divides into two

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed a limestone sphinx-like statue with a smiley face and two dimples, near the Hathor Temple, 500 kilometres south of the capital city of Cairo.

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed a limestone sphinx-like statue with a smiley face and two dimples, near the Hathor Temple, 500 kilometres south of the capital city of Cairo. The artefact was found inside a two-level tomb near the temple and could be a stylised representation of an ancient Roman emperor, the antiquities authorities said. The archaeologists believe that the statue may be depicting Roman emperor Claudius who ruled between 41 and 54 AD and extended Rome's empire into North Africa. “It is a beautifully and accurately carved sphinx. Primary examination of the statue shows that it could belong to the Roman emperor Claudianoius,” said Mamdouh El-Damaty, professor of Egyptology at Ain Shams University. Apart from the smiling statue, the archaeologists also stumbled upon a Roman-era slab with demotic and hieroglyphic inscriptions. WATCH | Trending on WION: Egypt discovers hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza × Though the statue is comparatively much smaller than the widely popular Sphinx in the Pyramids of Giza which stands tall at 20 metres, the archaeologists will continue their research to reveal more information about its identity. Deciphering the slab may shed important information about the statue, the ministry noted. Notably, the Hathor Temple where the discovery has been made housed the famous Dendera Zodiac - an ancient bas-relief temple ceiling carved with mysterious celestial symbols. The map was blasted out of the temple by a Frenchman named Sebastien Louis Saulnier and since 1922, it has been on display at the Louvre in Paris. Cairo, on numerous occasions, has demanded that the French government return the property. The discovery comes days after a hidden corridor was discovered close to the main entrance of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Read more: Egypt discovers hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza The discovery within the pyramid was made under the Scan Pyramids project. The project, kickstarted in 2015, has been using non-invasive technology including infrared thermography, 3D simulations and cosmic-ray imaging to peer inside the structure. According to Mostafa Waziri, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, the unfinished corridor was created to redistribute the pyramid's weight around either the main entrance or around another as yet undiscovered chamber or space The series of announcements in recent weeks, however, has made experts wary about the intentions of the Egyptian government. Some believe that the government is attempting to drive up tourism in the region by making such announcements which are more economically motivated than scientific. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

RARE! Sphinx-like Roman-era statue with dimples and smiley face unearthed in Egypt

French President Emmanuel Macron is on his last-leg of African tour. During talks with the leaders of Angola, DRC and Rwanda, Emmanuel Macron has stated that all parties in the conflict zone of Eastern Africa have agreed for a ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

French President Emmanuel Macron lauds 'ceasefire' in Eastern Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron now says that the era of French interference in Africa was over. The President was on a four-nation African tour of the continent.

French President Emmanuel Macron returns on a four-nation African tour

To meet with the donations and borrowers, the American President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the World Bank, the former MasterCard chief executive officer Ajay Banga will soon be starting a visit to Europe, Asia, Africa and potentially even perhaps Latin America.

Ajay Banga will start a visit to EU, Asia, Africa

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, the United States and European governments have been scrutinising Africa’s reactions. Views from the continent vary, with many states taking a 'non-aligned' position. The division was revealed at the United Nations when African countries voted on the war. It is evident that African states have a cynical view of a global order whose rules seem to be determined by the West. We explain the reasons for the split in opinion.

World of Africa: Africa divided over Ukraine war

Will the Horn of Africa experience a 6th consecutive failed rainy season? Hem Kaur reports what world meteorological organization's regional climate centre has announced about the fate of Horn of Africa.

Horn of Africa likely to get no rainfall | WION Climate Tracker

Part of a coordinated protest across a dozen cities worldwide. Activists in Paris have called out two banks involved in the financing of a controversial fossil fuel project in east Africa. Hem Kaur brings you this report.

Paris protests against pipeline project | WION Climate Tracker

Africa's Pangolins are under immense threat. The animal is facing a double threat. Hem Kaur Saroya tells you more about the threats these endangered species are facing.

Double threat to Africa's Pangolins | WION Climate Tracker

One of North Africa's most famous cities is undergoing a revival. Egyptian architects have launched a project to restore historic areas of Cairo to its former glory as they fear ancient artefacts might otherwise be lost. Cairo was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.

Bringing Cairo back to life by renovating historic buildings

One of North Africa's most famous cities is undergoing a revival. Egyptian architects have launched a project to restore historic areas of Cairo to its former glory, as they fear that ancient artifacts might otherwise be lost. Historic Cairo was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.

World Of Africa: Bringing Cairo back to life

After a downturn in bilateral relations in recent months, Burkina Faso declared on Sunday (February 19)&nbsp;that French military operations in the West African nation were now completely over. Top officers from the Burkinabe and French forces in the country conducted a flag-lowering ceremony to mark the event on Saturday at a camp outside of the nation's capital, Ouagadougou, according to a statement from the Burkinabe army.

As Burkina Faso's ruling junta demanded the military leave within four weeks, France said last month that it will withdraw its contingent of hundreds of soldiers stationed there, said an AFP report.

The request was made just a few days after Burkina's Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tembela said that Russia would make a "reasonable" strong ally in the fight against jihadists.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reminds-france-of-napoleon-slams-emmanuel-macron-for-regime-change-remark-563666">Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate</a>

"This does not mean the end of diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and France," government spokesman Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo told broadcaster RTV following the announcement.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Munich Security Summit | Macron: Russia should be defeated in Ukraine, not crushed at home

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Once France's military presence in the area is minimised, their departure would mark yet another important milestone.

The anti-jihadist Barkhane mission there was terminated in 2022 by French President Emmanuel Macron after a decade at the demand of the junta in neighbouring Mali.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After a downturn in bilateral relations in recent months, Burkina Faso declared on Sunday (February 19) that French military operations in the West African nation were now completely over.

After a downturn in bilateral relations in recent months, Burkina Faso declared on Sunday (February 19) that French military operations in the West African nation were now completely over. Top officers from the Burkinabe and French forces in the country conducted a flag-lowering ceremony to mark the event on Saturday at a camp outside of the nation's capital, Ouagadougou, according to a statement from the Burkinabe army. As Burkina Faso's ruling junta demanded the military leave within four weeks, France said last month that it will withdraw its contingent of hundreds of soldiers stationed there, said an AFP report. The request was made just a few days after Burkina's Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tembela said that Russia would make a "reasonable" strong ally in the fight against jihadists. ALSO READ | Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate "This does not mean the end of diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and France," government spokesman Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo told broadcaster RTV following the announcement. ALSO WATCH | Munich Security Summit | Macron: Russia should be defeated in Ukraine, not crushed at home Once France's military presence in the area is minimised, their departure would mark yet another important milestone. The anti-jihadist Barkhane mission there was terminated in 2022 by French President Emmanuel Macron after a decade at the demand of the junta in neighbouring Mali. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Burkina Faso announces the end of French military operations on its land

Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa is hosting the Annual African Union Summit where deepening security, food crises, and worsening hunger are some of the topics on top of the agenda. This is the summit's 36th session where African leaders are meeting for the summit with the aim of speeding up the rollout of the African continental free trade area. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Ethiopia hosts Annual African Union Summit 2023

The Central African nation Equatorial Guinea, on Monday (February 13) confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus disease after at least nine people died in the Kie-Ntem province, said the country’s health minister. Subsequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming the outbreak said it would increase its epidemiological surveillance in the Central African nation which has also reported approximately 16 suspected cases.&nbsp;

What do we know about the “outbreak” so far?

More than 200 people have been placed under quarantine in Equatorial Guinea’s Kie-Ntem province due to the outbreak of the Marburg virus which according to the WHO is a highly infectious and deadly disease, similar to Ebola. According to reports, people in the Central African nation have reported symptoms including fever, fatigue, blood-stained vomit and diarrhoea.

In a statement, the health agency said, “Further investigations are ongoing. Advance teams have been deployed in the affected districts to trace contacts, isolate and provide medical care to people showing symptoms of the disease.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equatorial-guinea-confirms-its-first-ever-ebola-like-virus-disease-marburg-after-9-dead-561678">Equatorial Guinea confirms its first-ever Ebola-related virus disease, Marburg, after 9 dead</a>

Last week, the Central African nation, said that an investigation into the suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever in the rural eastern region bordering Gabon and Cameroon was underway and only three people had shown some “light symptoms.” However, days later, the Health Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba, said that a “health alert” has been issued in Kie-Ntem province and the neighbouring Mongomo district.&nbsp;

Additionally, the health minister also said that the “lockdown plan implemented” was in consultation with the WHO and the United Nations. “Surveillance in the field has been intensified”, said the health agency’s representative in Equatorial Guinea, George Ameh. He added, “Contact tracing, as you know, is a cornerstone of the response. We have…redeployed the COVID-19 teams that were there for contact tracing and quickly retrofitted them to really help us out.”

As of now, they are working on a 30-day response plan where they will be able to quantify and gauge the exact measures and needs, said the WHO representative in Equatorial Guinea. According to the WHO, the local health authorities reported an unknown illness causing hemorrhagic fever cases and it was not until the samples were sent to Senegal that they were able to confirm at least one positive case of the Marburg virus disease in the country.&nbsp;

Suspected cases detected in Cameroon

The neighbouring Cameroon, which had previously restricted movement along its borders over concerns about the virus also reported two suspected cases of Marburg disease on Tuesday (February 15). The region where it was detected, Olamze, is said to be a commune on the border with Equatorial Guinea, said the local public health delegate Robert Mathurin Bidjang.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-equatorial-guinea-reports-9-marburg-deaths-who-calls-for-an-emergency-meeting-562071">Gravitas: Equatorial Guinea reports 9 Marburg deaths. WHO calls for an emergency meeting</a> 
 
In a meeting at the country’s capital Yaounde, Bidjang said that the two suspected cases of the Marburg disease detected on February 13 and the 16-year-old children, a boy and a girl, “have no previous travel history to the affected areas in Equatorial Guinea”. He added that some 42 people have come in contact with these children and have since been identified as they continue to contact trace, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

What is Marburg disease?

According to the WHO, the Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent disease which comes from the same family of viruses that causes Ebola. The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused multiple and simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt as well as the Serbian capital Belgrade. At least seven people died after being exposed to the virus who were said to have been conducting research on monkeys. The disease was also later associated with the African green monkeys from Uganda, however, the natural carrier of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat.&nbsp;

How fatal is it?

The fatality ratio of the disease is up to 88 per cent, as per WHO. However, depending on the strain and the management of symptoms, the fatality rates for the virus can be lowered to at least 24 per cent. Furthermore, the Marburg virus is part of the so-called filovirus family which includes Ebola which has led to thousands of deaths in the African continent over the years. Previously, an outbreak of the Marburg virus took place in Angola and killed 90 per cent of the little over 250 people infected. The disease also led to two deaths in Ghana just last year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-insights/ghana-reports-2-deaths-from-marburg-which-has-fatality-rate-of-88-here-are-its-symptoms-treatment-more-498408">Ghana reports 2 deaths from Marburg, which has fatality rate of 88%. Here are its symptoms, treatment &amp; more</a> 
 
Is it transmissible?

Yes, like Ebola human-to-human transmission of this virus occurs through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people, or surfaces.&nbsp;

What are the symptoms of Marburg disease?

According to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness is sudden and marked by fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Around the 5th day, the infected person can also experience nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Additionally, many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, as per the WHO. The virus reportedly also targets several organs at the time, affecting the body’s ability to function and can also cause confusion in the infected person. &nbsp;

Is there any treatment or vaccine?

So far, there have been no authorised vaccines or drugs to treat Marburg disease. However, rehydration seems to have alleviated symptoms and can improve the chances of survival.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Central African nation Equatorial Guinea, on Monday (February 13) confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus disease after at least nine people died in the Kie-Ntem province, said the country’s health minister.

The Central African nation Equatorial Guinea, on Monday (February 13) confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus disease after at least nine people died in the Kie-Ntem province, said the country’s health minister. Subsequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming the outbreak said it would increase its epidemiological surveillance in the Central African nation which has also reported approximately 16 suspected cases. What do we know about the “outbreak” so far? More than 200 people have been placed under quarantine in Equatorial Guinea’s Kie-Ntem province due to the outbreak of the Marburg virus which according to the WHO is a highly infectious and deadly disease, similar to Ebola. According to reports, people in the Central African nation have reported symptoms including fever, fatigue, blood-stained vomit and diarrhoea. In a statement, the health agency said, “Further investigations are ongoing. Advance teams have been deployed in the affected districts to trace contacts, isolate and provide medical care to people showing symptoms of the disease.” ALSO READ | Equatorial Guinea confirms its first-ever Ebola-related virus disease, Marburg, after 9 dead Last week, the Central African nation, said that an investigation into the suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever in the rural eastern region bordering Gabon and Cameroon was underway and only three people had shown some “light symptoms.” However, days later, the Health Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba, said that a “health alert” has been issued in Kie-Ntem province and the neighbouring Mongomo district. Additionally, the health minister also said that the “lockdown plan implemented” was in consultation with the WHO and the United Nations. “Surveillance in the field has been intensified”, said the health agency’s representative in Equatorial Guinea, George Ameh. He added, “Contact tracing, as you know, is a cornerstone of the response. We have…redeployed the COVID-19 teams that were there for contact tracing and quickly retrofitted them to really help us out.” As of now, they are working on a 30-day response plan where they will be able to quantify and gauge the exact measures and needs, said the WHO representative in Equatorial Guinea. According to the WHO, the local health authorities reported an unknown illness causing hemorrhagic fever cases and it was not until the samples were sent to Senegal that they were able to confirm at least one positive case of the Marburg virus disease in the country. Suspected cases detected in Cameroon The neighbouring Cameroon, which had previously restricted movement along its borders over concerns about the virus also reported two suspected cases of Marburg disease on Tuesday (February 15). The region where it was detected, Olamze, is said to be a commune on the border with Equatorial Guinea, said the local public health delegate Robert Mathurin Bidjang. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Equatorial Guinea reports 9 Marburg deaths. WHO calls for an emergency meeting In a meeting at the country’s capital Yaounde, Bidjang said that the two suspected cases of the Marburg disease detected on February 13 and the 16-year-old children, a boy and a girl, “have no previous travel history to the affected areas in Equatorial Guinea”. He added that some 42 people have come in contact with these children and have since been identified as they continue to contact trace, reported Reuters. What is Marburg disease? According to the WHO, the Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent disease which comes from the same family of viruses that causes Ebola. The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused multiple and simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt as well as the Serbian capital Belgrade. At least seven people died after being exposed to the virus who were said to have been conducting research on monkeys. The disease was also later associated with the African green monkeys from Uganda, however, the natural carrier of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat. How fatal is it? The fatality ratio of the disease is up to 88 per cent, as per WHO. However, depending on the strain and the management of symptoms, the fatality rates for the virus can be lowered to at least 24 per cent. Furthermore, the Marburg virus is part of the so-called filovirus family which includes Ebola which has led to thousands of deaths in the African continent over the years. Previously, an outbreak of the Marburg virus took place in Angola and killed 90 per cent of the little over 250 people infected. The disease also led to two deaths in Ghana just last year. ALSO READ | Ghana reports 2 deaths from Marburg, which has fatality rate of 88%. Here are its symptoms, treatment & more Is it transmissible? Yes, like Ebola human-to-human transmission of this virus occurs through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people, or surfaces. What are the symptoms of Marburg disease? According to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness is sudden and marked by fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Around the 5th day, the infected person can also experience nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Additionally, many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, as per the WHO. The virus reportedly also targets several organs at the time, affecting the body’s ability to function and can also cause confusion in the infected person. Is there any treatment or vaccine? So far, there have been no authorised vaccines or drugs to treat Marburg disease. However, rehydration seems to have alleviated symptoms and can improve the chances of survival. (With inputs from agencies)

Equatorial Guinea confirms Marburg virus outbreak, suspected cases in Cameroon: Here's what we know so far

Ethiopia’s orthodox Tewahedo church is one of the largest and oldest in africa. But there has been a split within its ranks after three bishops formed their own patriarchate they named “Oromia and nations and nationalities synod” in January. Unrest, divisions, and violence have led to the death of at least 30 people. So what's behind the crisis, and why are bishops bickering?

World of Africa: Split in ethiopia's orthodox church

Let's now talk about the democratic republic of Congo, and no, its not about fighting or war. Congolese are known world-over for their lingala music and exuberant dressing. This next report highlights a group of people who have become synonymous with their fashion.They are called the Sapeurs and they are seeking a different kind of recognition. So what is the sapeurs culture all about?

World of Africa: Thriving 'Sapeurs' culture in DR Congo

Amid growing frustration over insecurity, oil theft, and surging inflation,voters in Africa's biggest economy and most populous nation - Nigeria - will head to the polls in just two weeks. So who are nigerians voting for?

World of Africa: Nigeria Elections: Concerns over poll management

Somalia authorities have over the past week been dealing with yet another mass displacement of people as conflict raged in las-anod following intensified confrontation between Somaliland forces and s-s-c militias. The problem in las anod is that the clans have disagreed on which side to pay allegiance to. Security experts fear that the problem may distract authorities from fighting Al-Shabaab, allowing the terrorists to infiltrate the area. Here's a report about what's happening in Somaliland.

World of Africa: Fighting rages in Somaliland's las anod

The motto for the Pope’s trip to Africa was "all reconciled in christ," which many understood in the context of the political situation in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Pope’s messages during his visit were expected to change the reality in which local people live, and according to some experts, they did and just before the pontiff departed for Rome. An unusual development occurred in the Horn of Africa nation of Ethiopia, where the prime minister convened a meeting with the Tigray forces. So did the premier take a cue from his holiness and tried his luck at fostering peace and harmony?

World of Africa: Peace campaigns reverberate in Africa

Pope Francis wrapped up a peace mission to South Sudan urging an end to the blind fury of violence. Pope Francis made peace and reconciliation the theme of his three-day trip to the world's newest nation before flying back to Rome.

Pope Francis wraps up South Sudan peace mission, says 'no more bloodshed, conflicts'

Pope Francis who is currently on a visit to South Sudan will meet the victims of the Civil War and pay homage to a local liberation hero. This comes a day after he appealed to its leaders to turn their backs on the violence, ethnic hatred and corruption ravaged African nation.

Pope Francis to meet victims of Civil War in Africa's South Sudan

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