Marburg virus disease is a severe hemorrhagic fever that affects humans and monkeys. It was first discovered in 1967, and the virus belongs to the Filoviridae family, which also causes Ebola virus disease. Despite its rarity, the potential for outbreaks and the high fatality rate make it important to understand the symptoms of this dangerous disease, its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
WHAT IS MARBURG VIRUS?
Marburg virus disease is caused by the Marburg virus, a zoonotic RNA virus. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads between humans through contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals. This disease can lead to severe viral hemorrhagic fever in humans and has a fatality rate of up to 88%, depending on the virus strain and case management.
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TYPES OF MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE
Marburg virus disease (MVD) generally refers to a single disease caused by the Marburg virus. However, the spread and severity of Marburg can vary, leading to different clinical forms.
SYMPTOMS OF MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE
Marburg virus disease usually has a sudden onset, with symptoms appearing after an incubation period of 2 to 21 days. Early symptoms include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Weight loss
- Shock
- Liver dysfunction
- Heavy bleeding
CAUSES AND TRANSMISSION OF MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE
Origin and Reservoir: Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, especially the species Rousettus aegyptiacus. These bats are considered the natural reservoir of the virus. Human infection can occur through contact with bat urine, feces, or saliva.
Human-to-Human Transmission: Once a human is infected, Marburg virus can spread through direct contact with the blood, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals.
DIAGNOSIS OF MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE
Diagnosing Marburg virus disease requires specialised laboratory tests due to its similarity to other viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola which is affecting DR Congo for many years.
TREATMENT OF MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE
Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus disease. Therefore, treatment is focused on managing symptoms. Healthcare providers may start by treating headaches, then manage vomiting and diarrhea, and replace fluids lost through these symptoms.
It is recommended to avoid environments that may harbor fruit bats, such as mines and ruins. Maintaining cleanliness by regularly washing hands, keeping the environment clean, and properly washing food is important. When caring for someone with the virus, family members should take precautions to avoid contact with bodily fluids from the infected person.
If you notice symptoms of this disease, report to a healthcare centre to get further assistance
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