The Marburg virus originated in the green monkey, Angola's Deputy Minister Van-Dunem told reporters. Three outbreaks of the disease occurred in other countries prior to 1976.

The US Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta made the identification from samples it received for analysis. The disease, which manifests as acute hemorrhagic fever syndrome, has been active in the province since February.

'Flu' Symptoms Followed by Hemorrhaging

The Marburg disease, a viral infection that is part of the radovirus group, originated from the green monkey, Deputy Minister Van-Dunem told reporters.

It is transmited through contact with animals or infected human beings. It can be exchanged through bodily fluids during unprotected sex, or through other contact with infected bodily fluids.

The initial symptoms of the disease include severe headache, muscle pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. After seven days, hemorrhaging can occur. A patient may vomit blood. Bleeding also may occur through the vagina, skin or eyes.

Previous Epidemics

Several task forces are working to combat the epidemic in Uige, including a group dispatched by the World Health Organization and a team established by the Angolan government.

Three epidemics caused by the Marburg virus are known to have occurred prior to 1976 in Yugoslavia, Germany and South Africa. All were linked to handling infected monkey tissues. the disease is believed to have originated in monkeys in Uganda.