Marburg Virus Outbreak: Here is What You Need to Know

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The deadly Marburg virus, which is related to the Ebola virus, has now spread to Ghana, where two cases have been verified.

All identified contacts, none of whom have developed symptoms so far, have been isolated as part of GHS’s efforts to prevent the danger of the virus spreading.

Only two other Marburg epidemics have occurred in West Africa before this one. Last year, Guinea reported the first instance of the virus in the region.

Since 1967, southern and eastern Africa including Ghana have been hit by a dozen large Marburg outbreaks. Now, 2 cases of Marburg virus have been confirmed in Ghana which is a deadly Ebola like virus. According to the WHO, the fatality rate of previous epidemics ranged from 24% to 88% depending on the virus strain and case care.

Causes

Caused by the Marburg virus, the Marburg virus sickness can be fatal (MVD). The African fruit bat is the primary transmitter of the Marburg virus. Long-term exposure to diseased bats in caverns or mines, or contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids or faeces, can cause infection in humans.

The Marburg virus can be passed from person to person by bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, perspiration, semen, vomit, amniotic fluid, and breast milk when an individual has contracted the virus. Bodily fluids on a surface or substance, like clothing or bedding, can also spread infection if touched.

Healthcare professionals and others who frequently handle patients’ bodily fluids are at a higher risk of catching MVD from infected patients.

People who work in the funeral industry or with sick loved ones are at risk of contracting MVD, as is anyone who comes into contact with the bodily fluids of a person who has died from the disease.

Symptoms

The incubation period for the Marburg viruses is about 2-21 days. Infections with the Marburg virus have an incubation period of two to twenty-one days. Some of the signs of MVD are:

• Chills
• Headache
• Fever 
• Diarrhoea
• Non-itchy rashes on the back, stomach or chest. 
• Haemorrhage through gums, nose and skin.      
• Muscle aches 
• Nausea    
• Sore throat

Treatment

No one knows of a surefire way to cure MVD yet. To now, medical experts have responded to MVD symptoms as they have arisen. Hospitalized patients with MVD get supportive therapy, such as rehydration and blood replacement for hemorrhagic symptoms.

Researchers are trying to find some medicine for MVD. In 2018, research used the antiviral medication Favipiravir to successfully treat MVB in a mouse model.

Those concerned about contracting a disease from bats should avoid entering caverns and mines where there is a high concentration of bats. Additionally, it is recommended that all animal products be boiled thoroughly before to consumption.

Long periods of time spent in mines or caverns with colonies of fruit bats is not a good idea. Always ensure to stay far from the people who are infected and staying away from their body fluids is must. Moreover, make sure you properly prepare any animal goods you plan on eating (especially blood and meat) before doing so.

In humans, MVD is an extremely unusual condition. But when it does happen, it could potentially spread to other people, notably the healthcare workers and family members who care for the sufferer. Raising public and medical professional knowledge of the clinical symptoms experienced by MVD patients is essential. Increased knowledge about the Marburg virus can help family members and medical staff take preventative measures against its transmission that are both more timely and more effective.