Marburg Virus: A Looming Threat Nigeria Cannot Ignore.

To the Editor: Marburg virus, a filovirus closely related to Ebola, causes a severe haemorrhagic illness with case fatality rates ranging from 24 % to 88 %, depending on the timeliness and strength of the outbreak response [1]. Transmission occurs through contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials, and via exposure to infected fruit bats ( Proposed Model for Reducing MVD and other VHF Transmission: Currently, no licensed vaccine exists for the Marburg virus or other VHFs, although several candidates are in preclinical or early-phase trials. However, vaccine development may take several years before wide deployment. To mitigate transmission and reduce disease impact, we propose a four-tiered model that can function even in the absence of a vaccine, focusing on environmental, ecological, and health system interventions.This Oisakede's Inverted Triangular Model (Fig. 1) outlines a sequential, evidence-based approach:i.Safe Built Environment: Promote environmental hygiene and structural designs that minimise human contact with vectors or reservoirs (e.g., fruit bats).ii.Eliminate or Drive Out the Culprit: Target vector control and wildlife surveillance to limit zoonotic spillover.iii.Provide Timely Treatment: Ensure rapid diagnosis, case management, and IPC compliance to prevent nosocomial transmission.iv.Vaccination (When Available): Once safe and effective vaccines become available, immunisation programmes should prioritise high-risk communities.The model is initially inverted, representing the current phase where prevention and surveillance dominate due to a lack of vaccines. Once vaccines are available, the triangle can be flipped upright, symbolising a shift toward immunity-based protection for high-risk populations under