MVD is primarily considered an animal-borne zoonotic disease, mainly transmitted from infected Egyptian rousette bats to humans. The virus is present in the saliva, urine, and faeces of these bats. Infected individuals can also spread the virus to others. People can become infected with the Marburg virus through contact with:

• The bodily fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from MVD.
• Objects contaminated with the virus, such as clothing, bedding, needles, and other equipment.
• The semen from a man who has recovered from an MVD infection.

The Marburg virus is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. In August 2021, Guinea confirmed a single case of an outbreak. In July 2022, two cases of Marburg virus disease were reported in the Ashanti region, resulting in the death of the patients. Previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have also been recorded in Uganda, Angola, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa.

History

The name "Marburg virus disease" originates from the city of Marburg in Germany, where the disease was first detected in August 1967. A total of 31 cases of MVD were reported, and it is believed that the Marburg virus infection may have been transmitted to Germany through the importation of infected African green monkey tissue, which was used for developing a poliomyelitis vaccine. MVD is considered to be the first virus of the Filovirus genus, which belongs to the Filoviridae family that also includes the Ebola virus, responsible for Ebola virus disease.

Symptoms of MVD

Symptoms of Marburg virus disease can vary in severity and may resemble those of other tropical diseases, such as Ebola or malaria. Infected individuals typically begin to feel ill 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Initial symptoms, which usually appear within 2 to 7 days, may include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, rash, muscle pain (myalgia), fatigue, and diarrhoea. As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen and may include liver failure, delirium, shock, bleeding (hemorrhaging), and multi-organ dysfunction. In the end stage of the disease, Marburg virus disease can lead to severe hemorrhaging, septic shock, coma, organ failure (such as kidney or liver failure), and ultimately, death.

How do You Know?

Marburg virus disease is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and epidemiological investigation. The following are common methods used to diagnose Marburg virus disease:

 Laboratory Tests

• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR): This is the most common method for detecting the genetic material of the Marburg virus in blood or tissue samples.
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This test detects the presence of antibodies against the Marburg virus in blood samples.  
• Virus Isolation: This involves cultivating the virus in a laboratory using a sample from the patient.

Clinical Evaluation

• Medical History: A healthcare provider will ask about the patient’s symptoms, travel history, and potential exposure to the virus.
• Physical Examination: A physical exam will be conducted to check for signs of infection, such as fever, rash, and bleeding.

Epidemiological Investigation

• Contact Tracing: Healthcare providers will investigate the patient's contacts to determine if anyone else has been infected.
• Travel History: The patient's travel history will be reviewed to assess whether they visited areas where the Marburg virus is prevalent.

Who is at Risk?

One is likely to contract and spread the disease if he or she visits or lives in areas where the virus is prevalent, such as certain regions in Africa. Laboratory workers who handle the virus or infected materials without appropriate safety precautions are also at risk. Additionally, healthcare workers who do not adhere to proper infection control protocols, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), face a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Marburg virus disease is a severe and potentially fatal illness. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates. If you think you or someone else may have been exposed, seek medical attention immediately.

REFERENCE

Information form https://www.cdc.gov/marburg/about/index.html, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/ghana/news/ghana-declares-first-ever-outbreak-marburg-virus-disease-0 and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9448384/#:~:text=10.1080%2F01652176.2022.2116501-,Marburg%20virus%20re%2Demerged%20in%202022%3A%20recently%20detected%20in%20Ghana,health%20concerns%20and%20counteracting%20measures was used in this story