What is the Marburg virus? Know about its symptoms

Marburg virus disease (MDV) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. It causes hemorrhagic fever. It was initially detected in 1967 after outbreaks in Marburg, Frankfurt and the Yugoslav capital Belgrade. Ghana has recently confirmed the first cases of the deadly Marburg virus. It has been found in two people in the southern Ashanti region.

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According to the WHO, the average Marburg case fatality rate is around 50%. The fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in the past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management. Marburg and Ebola viruses both happen to be members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus). Both of them are caused by different viruses but are clinically similar. Both viruses are rare and have the capacity to cause an outbreak with high fatality rates. 

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Marburg Virus Disease results from prolonged exposure to mines and caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies. It spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people. Spreads via contaminated injection equipment or through needle-stick injuries are associated with more severe disease, and rapid deterioration leading to a higher fatality rate. 

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People remain infected as long as their blood contains the virus. Community engagement is the key to controlling its outbreaks. 

Symptoms of Marburg virus

The interval from infection to onset of symptoms varies from 2 to 21 days. It begins with a high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Muscle aches and pains are common symptoms. Watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting can occur from the third day. 

Diarrhoea can persist for a week in the virus. The patient gets deep-set eyes, an expressionless face and extreme lethargy. Many patients experience fresh blood in vomit and faeces. It can also cause nose bleed, gum bleed and vaginal bleeding.  In fatal cases, death occurs between 8 and 9 days after the onset of symptoms