Marburg disease

Marburg Disease is a severe and highly fatal disease caused by a virus from the same family as the one that causes Ebola virus disease. Both diseases are rare, but have the capacity to cause large outbreaks.

History

Marburg Disease was first recognized in 1967, when outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever occurred simultaneously in laboratories in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany and in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). The first people infected had been exposed to African green monkeys or their tissues. In Marburg, the monkeys had been imported for research and development of polio vaccines.

Transmission

The exact mode of transmission of the Marburg virus is unknown, although the primary host of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat. Humans may be exposed to the Marburg virus through contact with infected monkeys or bats, or by close contact with the bodily fluids of infected humans.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Marburg Disease include fever, chills, headache, and myalgia. Around the fifth day after the onset of symptoms, a maculopapular rash may occur. Nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may then follow. Symptoms become increasingly severe and may include jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure, and multi-organ dysfunction.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Marburg Disease. Patients are given supportive care, which includes balancing the patient's fluids and electrolytes, maintaining oxygen status and blood pressure, and treating any complicating infections. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.

Prevention

Prevention of Marburg Disease involves practical viral hemorrhagic fever prevention techniques, including avoiding contact with infected humans and animals. Health care workers should use standard precautions when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Marburg virus disease.