Marburg virus disease is a highly infectious disease that causes haemorrhagic fever.
A first case of it was confirmed in Guinea on Monday by the World Health Organisation.
Below are 10 Things You Should Know About Marburg Virus Disease 🦟
1. Same Ebola Virus Family
Marburg virus is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola and is transmitted in the same ways.
2. Marburg Is A Transmitted Disease
WHO says Marburg is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials.
3. Marburg Symptoms
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and malaise. Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic signs within seven days.
4. Has An 88 Percent Of Fatality Rate
The fatality case rates have varied from 24 per cent to 88 per cent in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management.
5. No Curable Vaccine Available
There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus.
6. Available Supportive Care
However, supportive care in terms of rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids–and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.
7. Have Been Reported Only In Africa
Previous outbreaks in Africa have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.
8. Incubation Period
The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) for Marburg virus disease varies from 2 to 21 days.
9. Marburg Is Clinically Difficult To DistinguishÂ
It can be difficult to clinically distinguish Marburg virus disease from other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, meningitis, and other viral haemorrhagic fevers
10. People remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.
