Two more people have died in northern Angola, bringing the death toll from the deadly Marburg virus to 237 people. Health officials continue to warn area residents of the dangers of this disease, which is spread through bodily fluids. Unfortunately, many of the earlier victims may have infected family members who cared for them during their illness or who may have had a part in their burial ritual. Death normally occurs less than ten days after the symptoms first appear.

While Angolan health officials are insisting that this outbreak is under control, the World Health Organization is not as optimistic. On Sunday, Angola's Deputy Health Minister Jose Van Dunem said, “We already have it under control.' However, doctors from the WHO and Doctors Without Borders continue to work in the Uige region of the country, but are still being met with resistance in some quarters. It is suspected that some family members are hiding the fact that their loved ones are ill from doctors and in the process are risking becoming infected themselves. They know that most of the people who go to the hospital die from this disease and are reluctant to send their loved ones to what they see as a death ward.

Angolans are having a particularly difficult time dealing with the effect that this disease is having on the way that they conduct funerals. Traditionally, family members wash the body of the deceased and kiss it goodbye. They believe that a funeral must be conducted in such a way so as to show respect and love for the deceased and to keep vengeful sprits away. Doctors and other health care professionals are being asked to respect these customs while at the same time doing what is necessary to prevent further infections. Winning the people’s trust can do a lot to stop the spread of this disease.