WHO Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Disease

What is Marburg disease?

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare but deadly fever that affects both humans and nonhuman primates. It was discovered in 1967, following outbreaks in Germany and Serbia. This disease is carried by the African fruit bat and can cause serious sickness or death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared Equatorial Guinea the site of the world's first Marburg disease epidemic. Until now, at least 9 people have died due to this disease.

How does this disease spread?

The disease’s method of transmission from animals to humans is unknown. After the virus has been passed to humans, it can be spread through person-to-person contact and bodily fluids (for example, blood, urine and saliva) of infected people.

MVD can also spread through anything infected (such as clothes, bedding, and medical equipment) with the bodily fluids of a person suffering from or who has died from this disease.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

MVD symptoms include a high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, etc. It is followed by stomach pain, cramps, vomiting, and severe diarrhoea. Other possible symptoms are jaundice, weight loss, liver failure etc.

Is there any treatment available for this disease?

Currently, there is no vaccine or medicine to treat this disease. Patients are treated to reduce their symptoms. One should avoid coming into contact with an infected person, as well as any exposure to mines or caves where fruit bats live.

MVD is an extremely rare disease, but when it develops, it can spread to others. So, increasing knowledge about this disease can help to stop its spread. Let’s hope that scientists are able to find a cure for this disease and that it doesn’t spread further.