Marburg Virus: The first two cases of the Marburg Virus, which is a highly infectious Ebola-like disease, have been confirmed officially by Ghana.
According to WHO (World Health Organization), the first case was a 26-year-old male who was admitted to a hospital on June 26 and died a day later. The second case was a 51-year-old male who checked into a hospital on June 28 and died the same day.
What is the Marburg virus disease?
According to WHO, MVD (Marburg Virus Disease), earlier known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal hemorrhagic fever.
Marburg is a filovirus that is clinically similar to Ebola.
Rousettus fruit bats are considered the natural hosts for this Marburg virus. However, African green monkeys imported from Uganda were the source of the first human infection, the WHO reported.
The WHO says the disease has an average fatality rate of about 50%. However, it can be as low as 24% or as high as 88% based on virus strain and case management.
Marburg Virus Disease Symptoms
Marburg virus disease can manifest anytime between 2-21 days, in the form of muscle aches, high fever, and severe headache. Around the third day, patients report vomiting, severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.
Between days 5-7, patients report bleeding from the gums, nose, and blood appearing in vomits. Often between 8- days, severe blood loss leads to death.
Marburg Virus Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
It is difficult to clinically distinguish MVD from diseases such as typhoid, malaria, and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. However, it can be confirmed by lab testing of samples.
There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for MVD as of now but it can be managed with supportive care. As per the WHO, rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids.
