On October 2nd, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported 36 confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) and 11 deaths in the Republic of Rwanda. Thus far, the outbreak has been contained to the Republic of Rwanda and the CDC has assessed there is minimal risk of spread to the United States. In response to this outbreak and due to the lack of availability of testing against Marburg Virus, U.S. EPA has reset the activation date of the Emerging Viral Pathogens Policy (EVP) to October 2024. This will allow pesticide producers and retailers to continue to make indirect, off-label claims against Marburg virus through October 2026 and help arm consumers with important information on proper disinfection to protect against the virus. For a list of disinfectants which have existing emerging viral pathogens claims, please refer to EPA List Q.

Marburg Virus Disease

Marburg virus disease presents as a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Marburg or Ravn virus. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning the virus can be transferred from animals to humans, with the host reservoir being Egyptian fruit bats. Marburg virus is a small, enveloped virus of the Filoviridae family, and it is closely related to Ebolavirus in both viral structure and clinical presentation. Transmission of the virus is spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. The virus is not spread by airborne transmission. Symptoms of infection include fever, head and body aches, GI upset, and unexplained bleeding. There are currently no FDA approved vaccines for Marburg virus disease. Early diagnosis and supportive care remain the most effective clinical response.

The Pathway to Make Off-Label Claims Against Marburg Virus

EPA re-engaged the Emerging Viral Pathogens Policy (EVP) for off-label claims against Marburg virus. This policy allows registrants to make indirect, off-label claims against Marburg virus, if they have previously demonstrated their product is effective against one or more viruses that are harder to inactivate than the emerging virus. Indirect claims convey to the user that the product is anticipated to be effective against the emerging viral pathogen based on a product’s demonstrated efficacy against viruses similar to the emerging virus.

For example, an indirect, off-label claim may look something like the below post:

 

Marburg virus is an enveloped virus, which is the easiest to kill virus type. To qualify to make indirect, off-label claims a registration must have an approved emerging viral pathogen claim against at least one small or one large non-enveloped virus (please contact SRC for more information regarding virus classification).

 Testing Against Marburg Virus

To make on-label claims against Marburg virus, efficacy testing must be completed on the virus. To date, no surrogate virus has been approved for testing by EPA. Due to the biosafety level required to work with this virus (BSL-4) it will not be available for testing at most contract laboratories. SRC will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates regarding options for testing and claims.

 

 

Samantha Kappel

Consulting Specialist II

Posted 10/04/2024