Marburg disease is a rare, severe viral hemorrhagic fever that affects both people and other primates, like apes and monkeys. Caused by infection with orthomarburgviruses, Marburg virus or Ravn virus, the disease can lead to serious illness or death. Symptoms can appear suddenly and may include fever, rash, and severe bleeding.
Orthomarburgviruses are naturally found in the Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and can spread from bats to people. Marburg disease is most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Marburg virus is a highly infectious and deadly virus belonging to the Filoviridae family, the same family as the Ebola virus. It causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, which is a severe and often fatal illness in humans and primates.
Key Features of Marburg Virus to keep as first aids
Discovery.
The virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia (then Yugoslavia). The outbreaks were linked to infected monkeys imported from Uganda for research purposes.
Transmission of Marburg Virus
Zoonotic origins
The primary hosts of the virus are thought to be fruit bats (especially the Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus). Human infection occurs through direct contact with infected animals or their body fluids.
Human-to-human transmission: The virus spreads between people through direct contact with blood, body fluids (such as vomit, urine, saliva, sweat, semen), or contaminated objects (like needles and syringes). It can also spread via contact with surfaces and materials, such as bedding or clothing, contaminated with these fluids.
Symptoms of Marburg Diseases
The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Early symptoms include most of the following :
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- After a few days, more severe symptoms appear:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
In some cases, hemorrhagic symptoms develop, including bleeding from the gums, nose, and gastrointestinal tract.
Multi-organ failure and shock are common in fatal cases.
Mortality Rate from Marbag virus
The fatality rate of Marburg virus disease is high, ranging from 24% to 88%, depending on the virus strain and the quality of care provided.
Diagnosis of MVD:
Diagnosing MVD in its early stages can be difficult as symptoms are similar to other tropical diseases like malaria or typhoid.
Confirmation requires laboratory testing of blood or tissue samples, typically using:
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for antibodies
Virus isolation
Treatment of Marburg diseases
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease.
Care is supportive, focusing on:
Hydration (oral or IV fluids)
Blood pressure management
Treating secondary infections
Replacing lost blood and clotting factors.
Experimental treatments include monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, but these are still under investigation.
Prevention of MDV
Avoiding contact with fruit bats and sick individuals.
Proper handling of body fluids and use of protective gear (PPE) for healthcare workers.
Safe burial practices are essential to prevent transmission.
Outbreaks of Marburg virus
Marburg virus outbreaks are rare, but when they occur, they are devastating. Notable outbreaks include:
1967: Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany
1998-2000: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
2004-2005: Angola, with over 350 cases and a mortality rate of 88%.
2021: Guinea reported cases for the first time.
2023: Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea saw outbreaks.
2024 : Rwanda in September declare the attack of MDV
Public Health Response:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities work together to manage outbreaks through rapid response measures like:
Contact tracing
Quarantines
Health education for communities
Setting up isolation facilities for infected individuals
Marburg virus remains a concern for global health due to its high fatality rate and potential for outbreaks in areas where it is endemic
