Marburg Virus - Deadly than Covid

Introduction

The Marburg virus is a highly infectious virus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates. It is a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Ebola virus. The virus was first identified in 1967, when an outbreak occurred in the German town of Marburg and Frankfurt among laboratory workers who were exposed to infected African green monkeys. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in Africa. In this article, we will discuss the Marburg virus, including its history, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

History of the Marburg Virus

The first recorded outbreak of the Marburg virus occurred in 1967 in the German towns of Marburg and Frankfurt. The outbreak was traced back to the handling of imported African green monkeys at a laboratory in Marburg. The virus then spread to Frankfurt, where it affected several laboratory workers who had come into contact with the infected monkeys. The outbreak resulted in 31 cases of the disease, with seven deaths.

Since the initial outbreak, there have been several other outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in Africa. The largest outbreak occurred in Angola in 2004-2005, resulting in 252 cases and 227 deaths. Other outbreaks have occurred in Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Transmission of the Marburg Virus

The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats or monkeys, or through contact with the bodily fluids of infected people. The virus is found in the blood, saliva, urine, semen, and breast milk of infected individuals. The virus can be spread through direct contact with these bodily fluids or through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms of the Marburg Virus

The symptoms of Marburg virus disease typically appear within 2-21 days of exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients can develop hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to internal bleeding, shock, and death.

The symptoms of hemorrhagic fever include the following:

• Bleeding from the gums, nose, and rectum
• Skin rash
• Blood in the urine and stool
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain and cough
• Shock
• Delirium and confusion

Diagnosis of the Marburg Virus

The diagnosis of Marburg virus disease is made through laboratory testing of blood and tissue samples. The virus can be detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which look for the genetic material of the virus in the patient's blood or tissues. Serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies to the virus in the patient's blood.

Treatment of the Marburg Virus

There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease. Supportive care, such as fluids and electrolyte replacement, is important in managing the symptoms of the disease. Patients with severe hemorrhagic fever may require blood transfusions, oxygen therapy, and other supportive measures.

Experimental treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, have been used in some cases, but their effectiveness has not been established. Treatment with convalescent plasma, which contains antibodies from patients who have recovered from Marburg virus disease, has shown some promise in early studies.

Prevention of the Marburg Virus

Preventing the spread of the Marburg virus requires strict infection control measures. Healthcare workers caring for patients with Marburg virus disease should wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, and masks, to prevent contact with infected bodily fluids.

Isolation of infected patients is also necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. Patients with suspected or confirmed Marburg virus disease should be placed in a separate isolation room with negative pressure, which prevents the air inside the room from flowing out into other areas of the hospital. This helps to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.

In addition to infection control measures in healthcare settings, there are also measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of the Marburg virus in the community. These include the following:

1. Avoiding contact with infected animals: The Marburg virus is thought to be primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats and monkeys. Avoiding contact with these animals, including avoiding bushmeat, can help to prevent the spread of the virus.
2. Practicing good hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water can help to prevent the spread of the Marburg virus. In addition, it is important to avoid touching one's face with unwashed hands, as this can introduce the virus into the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
3. Quarantine and contact tracing: People who have been in close contact with someone infected with the Marburg virus should be quarantined and monitored for symptoms. Contact tracing can help to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus and prevent further spread of the disease.
4. Vaccines: Currently, there are no vaccines available for the prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, research is ongoing to develop effective vaccines that can protect against the virus.

Conclusion

The Marburg virus is a highly infectious virus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates. It is transmitted through contact with infected animals or the bodily fluids of infected people. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients can develop hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to internal bleeding, shock, and death. There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease, and no vaccine is currently available to prevent it. Strict infection control measures, including isolation of infected patients and use of personal protective equipment, are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.

References:

1. World Health Organization. Marburg virus disease. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/marburg-virus-disease . Accessed on April 4, 2023.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Marburg hemorrhagic fever. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/marburg/index.html . Accessed on April 4, 2023.
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5. Towner JS, Rollin PE. Viral hemorrhagic fevers. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2018:Chapter 163.