New Delhi, 05 December 2024: Marburg virus disease (MVD), also known as the “bleeding eye virus” due to the severe hemorrhagic symptoms. It causes, has been making headlines for its devastating impact on human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a crucial update. Revealing that the Marburg virus can persist in the genitals of survivors for up to 12 months. This finding underscores the long-term implications of the virus, even after an individual has recovered. Raising concerns about its potential for transmission and the challenges in controlling outbreaks.
What Is Marburg Virus Disease?
MVD is a highly contagious and deadly viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus. A member of the same family as the Ebola virus. The disease was first identified in 1967, following outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. The virus transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals. Particularly fruit bats, which considered its natural reservoir. Human-to-human transmission occurs through bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, and semen, as well as contaminated surfaces.
The symptoms of Marburg virus disease typically include:
High fever and chills.
Severe headache and muscle pain.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Hemorrhagic manifestations, such as bleeding from the eyes, gums, and internal organs.
In severe cases, multi-organ failure and death.
The disease has a high fatality rate, ranging from 24% to 88%. Depending on the strain and the effectiveness of medical intervention.
The WHO’s recent findings indicate that the Marburg virus can remain in immune-privileged sites. Such as the genitals, for up to 12 months post-recovery. These sites are areas of the body where the immune system response subdued. Allowing viruses to evade detection and clearance.
In the case of Marburg virus, studies have shown that the virus can linger in seminal fluid. Raising concerns about the risk of sexual transmission long after an individual has recovered and is no longer symptomatic. Similar findings have been observed in survivors of Ebola virus disease. Indicating that this phenomenon may be a characteristic of filoviruses.
The WHO has emphasized the importance of survivor follow-ups, including regular testing of bodily fluids, to mitigate the risk of re-emergence and transmission. Survivors also advised to practice safe sex or abstinence until they tested negative for the virus in seminal fluid on multiple occasions.
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How To Control Marburg Outbreak?
The discovery of the virus’s persistence in genitals poses significant challenges to outbreak control and prevention:
Extended Transmission Period: The virus’s ability to remain in the body for an extended period increases the potential for secondary infections and the resurgence of outbreaks in communities.
Survivor Stigma: Survivors of Marburg virus disease may face discrimination due to fears of being infectious, even after recovery. This stigma can hinder reintegration into society and access to healthcare.
Public Health Monitoring: Long-term monitoring of survivors is essential but resource-intensive, especially in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Global Health Preparedness: The new findings highlight the need for robust surveillance systems and public health policies to prevent the spread of Marburg and similar viruses.
Preventing Transmission
Efforts to prevent the spread of Marburg virus disease must address both immediate and long-term risks. The following measures are critical:
Public Awareness: Educating communities about the symptoms, transmission modes, and prevention strategies is crucial, particularly in regions at high risk of outbreaks.
Barrier Nursing Practices: Healthcare workers should follow strict infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to prevent nosocomial transmission.
Safe Burial Practices: Handling the bodies of deceased patients requires caution, as the virus remains infectious post-mortem.
Survivor Care: Survivors should undergo regular health check-ups and testing to identify and address any lingering risks of transmission.
Research and Vaccination: Ongoing research into vaccines and treatments is vital to reduce mortality rates and prevent future outbreaks. Promising vaccine candidates are in development but require extensive testing and deployment.
The persistence of the Marburg virus in immune-privileged sites has global health implications, particularly for countries with weak healthcare systems. Outbreaks of Marburg virus disease have primarily occurred in African countries, including Angola, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the interconnectedness of the world means that the risk of cross-border spread is ever-present.
Travel and trade restrictions, while sometimes necessary, can have economic consequences for affected regions. Therefore, a coordinated international response is essential to manage outbreaks effectively. Organizations like WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play a critical role in providing resources, expertise, and support to affected countries.
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The revelation that the Marburg virus can persist in genitals for up to 12 months after recovery is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in managing viral diseases. While significant strides have made in understanding and addressing Marburg virus disease. Much work remains to be done to prevent its spread and ensure the safety of survivors.