Marburg virus or Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a fatal illness from the family of Ebola with a fatality rate of 50%. Detection of this viral disease dates back to 1967. It simultaneously spread to Belgrade, Frankfurt, and Marburg, where it derives its name from. It is caused by Rousettus aegyptiacus and fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family and spreads from fruits to people. Further, it could transmit among humans via body fluids.
Story So Far
Post-COVID 19 pandemic, the world now is looking at the spread of Monkeypox, and in the midst of this, two non-related patients for the Marburg virus were reported on June 27th and June 28th in Ghana. Both the patients died later in the Ashanti region’s hospital. The government had to quarantine around 98 people suspected of infection as worries about the outbreak of Marburg more than that of Monkeypox spread among masses.
Current Development
There currently is no development in the cases regarding the virus. However, the Director-General of the GHS has said the implementation of measures is in the process, which includes alerts sent to all districts, community engagement, and investigation.
Experts’ opinion
According to DR. John Amuasi, the mortality rate of the disease is very high, and there is no asymptomatic Marburg. With no vaccination for Marburg, the only way to create better chances of survival is to treat the symptoms. Supportive hospital therapy is needed.
Ways to prevent
The symptoms include fever interfering with the ability of blood to clot, severe headache, severe malaise, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea, lethargy, and bleeding through parts of the body.
It can be prevented by avoiding direct contact with the infected person and being cautious around them; however, Marburg is not contagious.
