Whats Marburg Virus?

Transmission of Marburg Virus

Marburg virus is a filovirus that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as bats, monkeys, or fruit bats, or through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. It is not spread through the air.

The virus is highly contagious and can be fatal in up to 90% of cases. However, there is no known cure for MVD, and treatment is supportive care only.

Symptoms of Marburg Virus

The symptoms of Marburg virus disease can vary, but typically include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Bleeding
• Organ failure

Treatment of Marburg Virus

There is no known cure for Marburg virus disease, and treatment is supportive care only. This may include:

• Intravenous fluids
• Electrolytes
• Antiviral medications
• Blood transfusions
• Dialysis

Prevention of Marburg Virus

There is no vaccine to prevent Marburg virus disease, but there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of infection:

• Avoid contact with infected animals, such as bats, monkeys, or fruit bats.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with an infected animal or person.
• Avoid contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Use condoms when having sex with an infected person.
• Get vaccinated against yellow fever, as this vaccine may also protect against Marburg virus disease.

Outbreak of Marburg Virus

There have been several outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in Africa, including outbreaks in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola. The largest outbreak to date occurred in Angola in 2005, and resulted in over 250 deaths.

The current outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Uganda was first reported in July 2022. As of August 15, 2022, there have been 54 confirmed cases and 25 deaths.

What is the Marburg Virus?

Marburg virus is a filovirus that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. The virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and has since been reported in several countries in Africa. MVD is a serious public health concern, as it can be fatal in up to 90% of cases. There is no known cure for MVD, and treatment is supportive care only.

How is Marburg Virus Transmitted?

Marburg virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as bats, monkeys, or fruit bats, or through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. It is not spread through the air.

What are the Symptoms of Marburg Virus?

The symptoms of MVD can vary, but typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, bleeding, and organ failure.

How is Marburg Virus Treated?

There is no known cure for MVD, and treatment is supportive care only. This may include intravenous fluids, electrolytes, antiviral medications, blood transfusions, dialysis, and other supportive measures.

How can Marburg Virus be Prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent MVD, but there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of infection:

• Avoid contact with infected animals, such as bats, monkeys, or fruit bats.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with an infected animal or person.
• Avoid contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Use condoms when having sex with an infected person.
• Get vaccinated against yellow fever, as this vaccine may also protect against MVD.