Marburg Virus Disease
We are yet to fully recover from the losses of highly infectious coronavirus disease and the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed another outbreak of disease. The global health body has confirmed the first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease or Marburg virus disease (MVD). It was formally known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever. The outbreak has been established in Equatorial Guinea as nine people have already lost their lives due to the viral haemorrhagic fever.
The epidemic was confirmed by the WHO after samples from Equatorial Guinea were sent to a lab in Senegal.
What is Marburg Virus Disease?
According to WHO, Marburg is a highly virulent disease that causes haemorrhagic fever. Marburg Virus Disease has a very high fatality ratio.
The disease was associated with African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) imported by Uganda.
What causes Marburg Virus Disease?
Marburg is caused by Marburg virus. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. The disease is caused as a result of prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies. WHO, in a report, has said that once a person is infected, the virus can transmit between humans via direct contact like broken skin or others.
Marburg Virus Disease: Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease are very common to one we have in viral. Those infected with the virus will have a high fever, An infected individual will have a high fever, severe headache and discomfort. Among other symptoms are muscle aches and pains.
Marburg Virus Disease: Treatment
As of now, there are no authorised vaccines or drugs to treat the disease. Some of the treatments that can be beneficial are supportive care like rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids.
