Marburg virus: Another massive outbreak about to start?

New Delhi: World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday confirmed Equatorial Guinea reported its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus after testing disease samples of nine people who died recently in the area.

The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact.

Marburg virus outbreak

The Marburg virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever and is comparable to the “Ebola” sickness, has “outbreaks” in Equatorial Guinea that have claimed at least nine lives, according to the WHO.

According to the announcement, advance teams have been sent in the impacted regions to track contacts, isolate, and treat anyone exhibiting illness signs.

How dangerous is Marburg Virus

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said “Marburg is highly infectious. Thanks to the rapid and decisive action by the Equatorial Guinean authorities in confirming the disease, emergency response can get to full steam quickly so that we save lives and halt the virus as soon as possible”.

Marburg virus death rate

The Marburg virus sickness Is an extremely virulent illness, according to the WHO, with a death rate of up to 88%. It belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus family of pathogens.

Marburg virus symptoms

The Marburg virus causes sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise. Within seven days, many patients experienced severe hemorrhagic signs.

How does Marburg virus spread

The virus is spread among people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, infected surfaces, and infected objects. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats.

Marburg Virus treatment

Although there are currently no known vaccines or medicines to combat the virus, supportive care can increase a patient’s chances of survival.

The evaluation of a variety of prospective therapeutics includes candidate vaccines with phase 1 data, immunological therapies, blood products, and pharmacological therapies.