The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease in Equatorial Guinea saying that the Ebola-related virus is responsible for at least nine deaths in the country.
- The WHO confirmed the epidemic after samples from Equatorial Guinea were sent to a lab in Senegal.
About Marburg virus disease (MVD)
- Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe illness that causes viral haemorrhagic fever in humans (it was formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever).
- The virus was first identified after simultaneous outbreaks in Frankfurt and Marburg, Germany — from where it derives its name — and Belgrade, Serbia in 1967. Those first infected were exposed to Ugandan imported African green monkeys or their tissues while conducting research.
- The virus takes between two and 21 days to incubate.
- The disease has an average fatality rate of 50%, which has varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks.
- A person infected with the virus experiences sudden illness with symptoms like high fever, severe headache and discomfort.
- Many develop severe haemorrhagic signs within seven days, as per the CDC.
Similar to Ebola
- Both the Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the Filoviridae family and the diseases caused by the two present clinical similarities.
- Like Ebola, the Marburg virus is transmitted to primates from bats which are considered natural hosts of the virus.
Human transmission
- It spreads among humans via direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats, or surfaces contaminated with fluids, like bedsheets and clothes.
- The disease can also spread during burial ceremonies if there is direct contact with the body of the deceased.
No authorised vaccines
- As of now, there are no authorised vaccines or drugs to treat the Marburg virus disease.
- The WHO, however, says that rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and treatment of specific symptoms can improve chances of survival.
