Marburg Virus

Marburg virus is a zoonotic (animal-borne) RNA virus closely related to Ebola that causes an uncommon but severe disease in both people and non-human primates.

It was first identified in 1967 during outbreaks in Germany and Yugoslavia among laboratory workers handling African green monkeys imported from Uganda, then spread to several other regions in southeast Africa.

It causes hemorrhagic fever

Marburg virus is a type of hemorrhagic fever that can infect both humans and non-human primates alike, resulting in high fever and bleeding (hemorrhaging) throughout many parts of the body. It belongs to a family of filoviruses which also includes six species of Ebola virus.

In 1967, the Marburg virus was first identified in laboratories across Germany and Yugoslavia. Laboratory workers became infected after coming into contact with monkeys imported from Uganda that had been used to produce vaccines.

Marburg virus disease can present as a high fever, headache and muscle aches for many individuals. They may also experience vomiting and bloody diarrhea which usually begins suddenly and lasts several days.

Marburg virus infection is highly contagious when someone comes into close contact with someone who has the virus. It can spread through direct contact with fluids, blood, tissues and cells of infected individuals or from surfaces contaminated with them.

When caring for an infected individual, it’s essential to take safety precautions such as wearing gloves and covering any exposed skin with protective equipment like masks and gowns. Infected individuals typically remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus, so taking these steps is critical.

By taking care of yourself, you can help to prevent others from getting sick and take control of your own wellbeing. It is especially essential to avoid sharing needles, syringes or other medical equipment with anyone who has contracted Marburg virus.

Marburg virus disease typically manifests itself two to 21 days after infection, with symptoms including fatigue and weakness as well as headaches, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

Blood can clot rapidly and cause shock or death in certain parts of the body, such as the nose, gums or eyes. These symptoms may appear anywhere on the body but usually involve one area: nosebleeds.

People suffering from Marburg virus infection often succumb within a few days of becoming ill; however, this could happen at any time. A severe case can cause rapid deterioration in health and lead to serious complications. Furthermore, this virus spreads rapidly between individuals so it’s essential that you know how to safeguard yourself and those close to you.

Marburg Virus spread by contact with infected animals

Marburg virus can be spread through direct contact with an infected animal, including through bodily fluids or feces. It also spreads through human-to-human contact when people touch the skin of someone who has the virus and then handle their body parts or objects. Healthcare workers as well as those caring for sick individuals are at risk from this outbreak.

Marburg disease is a rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, part of the filoviridae family that includes Ebola virus. It typically exists among wild animals in Central and West Africa where it can be transmitted to humans through prolonged exposure to caves inhabited by bats.

It was first identified in 1967 when two major outbreaks in Germany and Serbia coincided, linked to laboratory work using African green monkeys imported from Uganda. Since then, cases have been confirmed across a variety of countries such as Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya.

Outbreaks of Marburg virus are typically spread through travelers who have spent time in mines or caves with bats. However, the virus can also be spread from contaminated objects or surfaces at home or work.

During an outbreak, WHO provides surveillance, community engagement, case management, laboratory services, contact tracing, infection control and logistical support. It also promotes safe burial practices and teaches communities how to respond appropriately during a crisis.

Incubation of the virus typically lasts between 2 and 21 days, after which it causes a severe hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal. Signs include petechiae, ecchymoses, hematemesis, melena and prostration.

The virus can spread from person to person when it comes into contact with body fluids like blood or sweat, or through animal feces from an infected animal. Unfortunately, prevention of transmission is difficult due to this vulnerability.

Due to its long lifespan, Marburg virus disease can linger in immune-privileged sites in the body for some time after a person recovers from it. Examples include the testicles and inside of the eye.

Male survivors of Marburg virus disease who want to reduce the risk of sexual transmission should practice safer sex and hygiene for 12 months from the onset of symptoms or until their semen have twice tested negative (undetectable) for Marburg. They should not use condoms while masturbating and should wash their hands after any contact with seminal fluid.

Marburg Virus is fatal

Marburg virus is an extremely infectious zoonotic disease that can spread to people through direct contact with infected bats and other animals. It’s usually transmitted to humans through close proximity with infected African fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), sighted cave-dwelling bats found across Africa, or through contact with infected non-human primates’ body fluids.

This virus belongs to the filovirus family, along with Ebola virus and Covid-19. It causes hemorrhagic fever and can be deadly; depending on the strain and level of care received, mortality rates range from 24%-88%.

People infected with Marburg virus typically begin experiencing symptoms within 2-21 days and become ill quickly. They may feel dizzy, experience muscle aches and pains, lose strength, have high fever, headache and malaise on day three; watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramps may begin on day three as well as nausea or vomiting.

Patients with severe cases of the illness may experience bleeding in multiple places, such as their mouths, nose, eyes and genitalia. They may become confused, irritable and aggressive; additionally, they may vomit blood or pass it in their stools.

Death from Marburg virus typically occurs within eight days of onset, followed by severe bleeding and shock. Hospital treatment is necessary for supportive care such as rehydrating the patient with oral or intravenous fluids, replacing lost blood, and maintaining oxygen levels.

Specialists who can treat Marburg virus disease include critical-care specialists, infectious-disease specialists, hematologists and lung specialists. If necessary, these practitioners also help monitor and maintain a patient’s blood pressure as well as electrolytes levels.

As with other viral diseases, it is essential to maintain good hygiene and a clean environment in order to minimize the risk of exposure to infected individuals. Outbreak containment measures include prompt, safe, and dignified burial for deceased victims; segregating those who have been sick from those who are healthy; monitoring people who may have come into contact with an infected person for 21 days; and providing care to confirmed cases.

It’s not known what causes it

Marburg virus belongs to the filovirus family, along with Ebola and other hemorrhagic fever viruses. Much like Ebola, Marburg causes severe illness that could prove fatal if not addressed promptly.

Marburg disease is most often found in African monkeys (bush meat) and bats, though people who come into contact with infected animals or remove bodies of deceased Marburg virus-infected patients may also be susceptible to contracting the illness. Although no cause has been identified yet for Marburg disease, infection control measures like limiting exposure to infected materials can help protect against contracting it.

World Health Organization reports that Marburg virus disease typically begins between 2 and 21 days after someone becomes infected, with symptoms including high fever, vomiting and diarrhea. These may persist for a week or longer.

Marburg disease presents with symptoms similar to other viral hemorrhagic fevers, including headache, muscle aches and pains, abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhoea.

Once a person is diagnosed with Marburg virus, they should be hospitalized and rehydrated as quickly as possible. Furthermore, their blood pressure and oxygen levels should be monitored, their clotting factors replaced, electrolytes balanced, and any other infections treated, according to Bogoch.

Patients with Marburg virus can be identified through antibody, antigen and polymerase chain reaction tests performed on their blood or other fluids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations. These tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine if they are indeed infected with Marburg virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that people who are infected with Marburg virus should have their blood tested regularly to prevent spread of the disease. They should also don protective clothing, use personal hygiene products, and frequently wash their hands.

Additionally, healthcare workers should avoid coming into direct contact with infected fluids and soiled equipment while treating people with Marburg virus. During outbreaks, healthcare workers should work in teams and take infection control measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Recommended readings:

• Bacterial Diseases
• Khatmal Cimex LECTULArius
• What Causes a Stroke?
• What Causes Nosebleeds?
• Why Pain In Yoga Isn’t Always A Bad Thing