The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stern warning about a deadly virus after two separate outbreaks were reported this year. The virus in question is the Marburg virus, belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus, and it causes a highly contagious and fatal haemorrhagic fever.
Between February and May, 25 laboratory-confirmed cases of the Marburg virus were reported, with a staggering 17 patients succumbing to the disease. Symptoms of the virus can be gruesome, including bleeding from the nose and gums, and patients have been noted to exhibit a “ghost-like” appearance.
The recent outbreaks were recorded in Equatorial Guinea during February to May, and in the United Republic of Tanzania during March and April. The WHO has reassured that it will closely monitor the situation and continue to provide support to the affected countries.
“Health authorities in both countries have shown strong political commitment,” says the WHO. “In recent weeks they have further strengthened critical response functions, such as disease surveillance, including at points of entry; laboratory activities; clinical case management; infection prevention and control; risk communication and community engagement; and operations support and logistics with support of WHO and partners.”
The Marburg virus can be transmitted to both humans and non-human primates. People can become infected through prolonged exposure to caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies. The virus can also spread from human to human through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, broken skin, or mucous membranes, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials.
Symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, severe headache, severe malaise, muscle aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The disease progresses rapidly, and “ghost-like” features, deep-set eyes, and extreme lethargy have been observed in patients. Most patients will experience severe haemorrhagic manifestations within seven days, including bleeding from various parts of the body.
As of now, there is no cure for Marburg virus disease, but treatments such as blood, immune, and drug therapies are available. The WHO’s vigilance and support will be instrumental in combating these outbreaks and containing the spread of the virus to prevent further fatalities.
