A study analyzing MARV prevalence in bat populations in Gabon found MARV-specific nucleic acids in R. aegyptiacus bats in several local caves [37] . Together with previous data showing a high prevalence of MARV-specific antibodies in Gabonese bat populations [38] and with an observed relation of the isolated sequences with previously reported Gabonese bat isolates [35] this study Viruses 2012, 4 1886 suggests that MARV is enzootic in Gabon and raises the concern of further spread of MARV into other countries. Therefore, close ecological as well as serological surveillance of the bat populations in sub-Saharan Africa could help to predict and prevent further MVD outbreaks especially in areas where bats are still used as a food source.