New Delhi, October 11: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a Marburg alert, raising concerns about the potential spread of this highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a hemorrhagic fever that can cause severe illness and death. It shares similarities with Ebola virus disease, both belonging to the same family of viruses, Filoviridae.
What is Marburg Virus?
Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 after outbreaks occurred in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been reported in various parts of Africa, including Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, their bodily fluids (such as blood, saliva, and vomit), or contaminated materials. Healthcare workers are at a particularly high risk of infection if they do not take proper precautions.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus
The symptoms of MVD typically appear within 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
The early symptoms of Marburg virus disease often include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, sore throat, nausea, and vomiting, as well as diarrhea. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as chest pain, cough, abdominal pain, blood-stained vomiting and diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding from various body parts (e.g., nose, gums, vagina), altered mental status, and shock.
Treatment and Prevention
Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for this virus disease. Supportive care, such as fluid replacement and management of symptoms, is the mainstay of treatment. Early diagnosis and prompt medical attention are crucial for improving survival rates.
To prevent the spread of Marburg virus, it is essential to implement effective infection control measures. This includes:
— Isolating patients with suspected or confirmed MVD.
— Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water.
— Using personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers.
— Safely handling and disposing of medical waste
— Contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
The recent health alert serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Climate change, deforestation, and increased human-animal contact are all factors that can contribute to the emergence and spread of new viruses.