Marburg Virus Outbreak: Symptoms, Disease, Vaccine & Treatment

 

Marburg virus is a highly infectious and deadly virus that belongs to the family of Filoviridae, which also includes the infamous Ebola virus. The virus causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), which is a severe and often fatal illness that affects both humans and primates. In this blog, we will discuss the Marburg virus, its symptoms, outbreaks, treatments, and the current state of research on the virus.

Marburg virus was first identified in 1967, when a group of lab workers in Marburg, Germany, fell ill with a mysterious disease that caused severe bleeding and organ failure. The disease was eventually traced to the Marburg virus, which is believed to have originated from fruit bats in Africa. Since then, there have been several outbreaks of MVD in Africa, with the largest outbreak occurring in Angola in 2005.

 

Marburg Virus Symptoms

The symptoms of MVD are similar to those of Ebola virus disease (EVD). The symptoms of MVD usually start abruptly and include fever, headache, muscle aches, and weakness. These symptoms are often followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Within a few days, MVD can progress to cause severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock. The mortality rate of MVD is estimated to be between 23% to 90%, depending on the outbreak and the healthcare infrastructure in the affected area. In case, if you feel any of the above mentioned symptoms, you must visit your nearest doctor.

 

Marburg Virus Outbreak

MVD outbreaks have occurred primarily in Africa, where the virus is believed to be endemic in fruit bats. The first known outbreak of MVD occurred in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, where 31 people became ill, and seven died. Since then, there have been several outbreaks of MVD in Africa, with the largest outbreak occurring in Angola in 2005. The outbreak in Angola infected over 250 people, and over 200 of them died. The most recent outbreak occurred in Uganda in 2017, where three people died from the virus.

 

Marburg Virus Disease 

MVD is a severe and often fatal illness that affects both humans and primates. The virus is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals or humans. The primary host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats, but the virus can also be transmitted from person to person through contact with blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. The disease usually starts with flu-like symptoms, but it can quickly progress to cause severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock.

 

Marburg Virus Vaccine 

There is currently no licensed vaccine for MVD, but there are several vaccine candidates in development. The most promising of these candidates is a vaccine developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, which has shown promising results in animal studies. The vaccine is based on a weakened version of the virus, which triggers an immune response without causing disease. The vaccine is currently in phase 1 clinical trials, and if it proves to be safe and effective, it could be licensed for use in the future.

 

Marburg Virus in the USA 

There have been no reported cases of MVD in the United States, but there is a risk of the virus being imported into the country through travel or trade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified MVD as a Category A bioterrorism agent, which means that it poses a significant threat to public health and national security. The CDC has developed guidelines for healthcare workers and public health officials on how to identify and respond to suspected cases of MVD.

 

Marburg Virus Treatment 

There is no specific treatment for MVD, and the focus of treatment is on managing the symptoms and complications of the disease. Supportive care includes hydration, electrolyte balance, and treatment of any secondary infections. The use of antiviral drugs and convalescent plasma has also been explored.