Marburg virus in Hamburg: What you need to know

What is Marburg virus?

Marburg virus is a rare but deadly filovirus that can cause Marburg virus disease (MVD).

MVD is a severe, often fatal illness that affects multiple organs. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, or through contact with objects that have been contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms of Marburg virus

Symptoms of MVD typically appear 2-21 days after exposure to the virus.

The initial symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. These symptoms are followed by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

As the disease progresses, patients may develop severe bleeding, organ failure, and shock.

Treatment for Marburg virus

There is no specific treatment for MVD.

Treatment is supportive and includes measures to prevent dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ failure.

Patients with MVD should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus.

Prevention of Marburg virus

There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for MVD.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and to avoid contact with objects that have been contaminated with the virus.

Healthcare workers should wear protective clothing and equipment when caring for patients with MVD.

Outbreak in Hamburg

On July 23, 2023, a case of MVD was confirmed in a patient in Hamburg, Germany.

The patient had recently traveled to West Africa, where Marburg virus is endemic.

The patient is currently being treated in isolation, and public health officials are working to identify and monitor contacts.

Risk to the public

The risk of infection for the general public is low.

However, healthcare workers and others who have been in close contact with the patient are at higher risk.

Public health officials are working to identify and monitor contacts to prevent the spread of the virus.