Marburg virus disease is caused by the Marburg virus, a genetically unique zoonotic (animal-borne) virus. The disease is what's known as viral hemorrhagic fever, and refers to a condition that affects many of the body's organ systems, damages the cardiovascular system, and reduces the body's ability to function on its own.
The Marburg virus is a force to be reckoned with, and its symptoms can strike suddenly and severely. Those infected with the virus may experience a range of symptoms, including hemorrhagic fever, fatigue, blood-stained vomit, and diarrhea.
Symptoms Of The Marburg Virus
Blood-stained vomit, hemorrhagic fever, fatigue, and diarrhea are all common symptoms of the Marburg virus.
The disease often starts with a high fever, severe headache, and a feeling of overall malaise. Muscle aches and cramps, as well as jaundice, nausea, and abdominal pain, can also accompany the onset of the illness.
The CDC said a non-itchy rash can also appear around the fifth day of the disease, striking the patient's chest, back, or stomach.
According to the WHO, patients can appear "ghostly" by day three, with deep-set eyes and expressionless faces.
To make matters worse, the virus is highly contagious, and bodies can remain contagious even after death. It's important to stay informed and alert to the signs and symptoms of this deadly disease to keep ourselves and our communities safe.
The virus is highly contagious and bodies can remain contagious even after death.
The virus is not respiratory. Once a human is infected, the virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, as well as via contaminated surfaces and materials.
Is There Any Treatment For Marburg Virus?
With no vaccines or antiviral treatments currently approved for the Marburg virus, according to the WHO, treatment options are limited. However, patients can still receive supportive care, which may include efforts to rehydrate and alleviate specific symptoms, to help improve their chances of survival.
To further advance treatment options, the WHO recently held an emergency meeting to discuss the testing of various Marburg virus vaccines and treatments that are currently in the development process.
Diagnosing the Marburg virus can be a challenging task as its symptoms are similar to those of several other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, meningitis, and even Ebola. The virus itself belongs to the same family of filoviruses that cause Ebola, according to the WHO.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans via fruit bats, which are a natural host of the virus, according to the WHO.
Though the lack of approved treatments for the Marburg virus is concerning, it is important to stay vigilant and informed about any advancements in medical research that may help combat this deadly disease.
The UN's proactive approach to containing the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea underscores the importance of swift action and international collaboration in combating deadly infectious diseases. By deploying expert teams and providing critical resources to those in need, we can work towards a safer and healthier world for all.