Viral haemorrhagic fevers, like Ebola and Marburg virus disease (MARV), are some of the most dangerous infectious diseases. They spread quickly, overwhelm healthcare systems, and can cause severe illness and death. In recent years, several African countries have faced repeated Marburg virus outbreaks, with fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88% (WHO, 2025). 

To prepare for future outbreaks, scientists are turning to seroprevalence studies—tests that check blood samples for antibodies to different viruses. These studies reveal whether people have been exposed to viruses in the past, even if they never developed symptoms. For example, research in several African countries has shown evidence of previous exposure to viruses like Ebola, Marburg, dengue, and yellow fever (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7238228/). This means that outbreaks may sometimes go undetected, allowing diseases to spread quietly in communities, only to explode later, making containment more challenging.

The Ghana team is currently leading the ALERRT Consortium’s SeroMarv Africa Study, with active recruitment currently taking place in Cameroon, Guinea and Uganda.

This study aims to conduct multi-pathogen serosurveillance, focusing on MARV and other viruses, including Ebola virus (ZEBOV), MPOX, Zika virus (ZIKV), Dengue virus (DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, DENV4) and Yellow Fever virus (YFV). By identifying previously undiagnosed infections and potential community transmission within selected countries, this study will provide valuable epidemiological insights on the risk of outbreaks caused various pathogens in Africa. The findings will contribute real-time empirical evidence to strengthen viral haemorrhagic fever surveillance and inform outbreak response and containment strategies. Additionally, this study seeks to develop a robust platform for the implementation of further seroprevalence studies on WHO-priority pathogens in Africa.