Virus Disease
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that Ethiopia has reported its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease.
About Marburg Virus Disease
- Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever, is caused by the Marburg virus, a pathogen in the same family (Filoviridae) as the Ebola virus.
- The disease was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, which were linked to laboratory work using African green monkeys imported from Uganda.
Symptoms
After an incubation period of 2 to 21 days, the illness begins abruptly with symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other tropical diseases like malaria or typhoid fever. Initial symptoms include:
- High fever, severe headache, and malaise
- Muscle aches and pains
- Severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- A non-itchy rash on the chest, back, and stomach around day five
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms like jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, and severe bleeding can develop. Fatal cases often die from major blood loss and shock, typically 8 to 9 days after symptoms begin.
Transmission
- Egyptian fruit bats are believed to be the natural hosts of the Marburg virus.
- Initial human infection can occur from exposure to environments inhabited by these bats.
- Transmission among humans happens through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
- Healthcare workers and family members are at higher risk without proper infection control.
Diagnosis
Laboratory confirmation is essential due to non-specific early symptoms. Tests include RT-PCR, antigen-capture detection tests, and IgM antibody detection.
Treatment and Prevention
There are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for MVD. Treatment is supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and secondary infections. Candidate vaccines and treatments are under development.
Prevention involves avoiding contact with infected bats or non-human primates in affected areas, implementing strict infection control in healthcare settings including using personal protective equipment, and safe burial practices.
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