Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, which is a genetically unique zoonotic RNA virus of the filovirus family. The virus is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88% . The virus is transmitted to humans through prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies. Once an individual is infected with the virus, Marburg can spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.
Symptoms of Marburg virus disease begin abruptly, with high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise. Muscle aches and pains are a common feature. Severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, and vomiting can begin on the third day. Diarrhea can persist for a week. The appearance of patients at this phase has been described as showing “ghost-like” drawn features, deep-set eyes, expressionless faces, and extreme lethargy. A non-itchy rash has been noted between 2 and 7 days.
There is no proven treatment available for Marburg virus disease, but supportive care, such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of specific symptoms improves survival. A range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies, are currently being evaluated.
In summary, Marburg virus is a highly virulent virus that causes a severe and often fatal illness known as Marburg virus disease. The virus is transmitted to humans through prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies, and once an individual is infected with the virus, Marburg can spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people. There is no proven treatment available for Marburg virus disease, but supportive care and treatment of specific symptoms can improve survival.
