Marburg disease outbreak confirmed in the Equatorial Guinea
Marburg virus is the causative agent of Marburg virus disease.
It has a fatality ratio of up to 88%.
These viruses belong to the same family as Ebola virus
The Marburg virus and Ebola virus both belong to the members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus).
These are clinically similar diseases.
The first time Marburg virus was detected was in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia.
How is it transmitted?
Marburg virus is transmitted from exposure to habitats of Rousettus bat colonies, which are usually mines or caves.
From an infected human to a normal human the virus spreads through blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids. The virus also gets transmitted through sharing the bedding and clothing of the infected individual.
Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of the infection as they work in close contact with the infected individuals.
What are the symptoms seen in Marburg infection?
Marburg infection is typically characterized by high fever, severe headache and malaise which start abruptly.
People also experience severe muscle ache and pain during this period.
The incubation period varies from 2 to 21 days.
On the third day, the patient is likely to experience diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting. The diarrhea can persist for a week. "The appearance of patients at this phase has been described as showing “ghost-like” drawn features, deep-set eyes, expressionless faces, and extreme lethargy," the WHO says.
Between 5 and 7 days, many patients develop severe hemorrhagic conditions like fresh blood in vomitus and faeces, bleeding from nose, gums, and vagina.
Other symptoms seen in patients
During the severe phase of illness, patients have high fevers.
As the infection progresses it affects the central nervous system of the patient which results in confusion, irritability and aggressive behaviors.
Many patients have also reported having orchitis or inflammation of one or both testicles. This usually happens during the late phase of disease.
"In fatal cases, death occurs most often between 8 and 9 days after symptom onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock," a WHO report says.
Maculopapular rash is also seen in some patients.
How to treat Marburg disease?
There are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments to treat the virus. "A range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies, as well as candidate vaccines with phase 1 data are being evaluated," the WHO has said in a recent report.
"However, supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival," the health agency says.
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