You may have heard about the news about new, dangerous diseases that sometimes spread in African countries. So, we are going to talk about a viral disease that we all need to be a little careful about, and it is very important to know about it. This is Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) . You may not recognize the name when you hear it, but it is very important to be aware of it.
What is Marburg virus disease (MVD)? Let's understand it simply.
Simply put, Marburg virus disease is a very serious, sometimes fatal disease . It is most common in African countries. At first, symptoms are common, such as fever and chills. But after a while, the condition can become severe, including severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological problems that affect the brain and nervous system.
Imagine, this disease usually starts in bats or primates and spreads to humans. Then, it can spread from person to person . That's how it spreads like an epidemic.
The most important thing is that Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever . That is, this virus damages the blood vessels in our body, causing bleeding inside and outside the body. Have you heard of the Ebola virus ? Well, the Marburg virus also belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. That is why it is so dangerous.
How common is this Marburg virus disease? Should we be worried?
Actually, Marburg virus is very rare . However, it does occasionally occur in some parts of Africa. When such an epidemic occurs, it can infect anywhere from a few to hundreds of people at the same time.
Recently, in 2023, two such outbreaks were reported. One was in Equatorial Guinea in February 2023. There were 16 confirmed cases, of which 12 died. The other, unrelated, was in Tanzania in March 2023. There were 8 confirmed cases, and 5 died.
There have been major epidemics like this before:
- In Uganda in 2012 - 15 people were infected and 4 died.
- In Angola, from 2004 to 2005 - 252 people were infected and 227 died. Look at how high that death rate is.
- In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 1998 to 2000 - it affected mostly miners and their families. 154 people were affected and 128 died.
- Two outbreaks in Europe at the same time - in Germany and Yugoslavia in 1967. Both occurred among workers who handled African green monkeys brought from Uganda. 31 people were infected and 7 died.
These statistics show how serious this can be, don't they? That's why it's important for us to be aware of this.
Is the Marburg virus also present in America?
No, there have been no reported cases of Marburg virus in the United States (US). In 2008, a person who had traveled to Uganda developed Marburg symptoms after returning to the United States. However, he recovered completely and did not spread the disease to anyone else. This shows that if detected early and necessary measures are taken, the spread of the disease can be controlled.
What are the symptoms of Marburg virus disease? How to identify it?
Marburg symptoms appear in two main stages.
First stage (lasts about 5-7 days):
- Fever
- Chills
- Severe headache
- Cough
- Muscle or joint pain
- Sore throat
- Skin rash - This may appear as raised, flat spots (maculopapular).
After these symptoms appear, you may feel a little better for a day or two. But then the more severe symptoms of the second stage begin.
Symptoms of the second stage:
- Stomach or chest pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (bloating)
- Dizziness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes, or vagina
- Confusion
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, especially if you have been to an area where Marburg is prevalent, you should seek medical advice immediately. This is not a disease to be trifled with.
What causes Marburg virus disease?
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is caused by two related viruses. They are Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) . They are also related to the Ebola virus. As mentioned earlier, this is a viral hemorrhagic fever, which means it can damage blood vessels and cause severe bleeding.
How is Marburg virus spread?
This is something we all need to be very careful about. The Marburg virus is spread through contact with body fluids of infected people or animals .
What are these bodily fluids?
- Blood
- Pee/Urine
- Poop/Stool
- Spit/Saliva
- Breast milk
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
Not only that, but it can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, objects, or medical equipment . That's why maximum safety precautions are taken when caring for a patient like this.
How do people get Marburg virus?
Experts believe that Egyptian rousettes, a species of fruit bat, are the main hosts of MARV and RAVV viruses. People are first infected by contact with body fluids or tissues of infected bats or nonhuman primates. They can then spread the virus to other people, especially close family members and healthcare workers who care for them .
Who is at higher risk of developing Marburg virus disease?
You are at risk of developing MVD if :
- If you work with animals that may carry the virus.
- If you work in mines, caves, or environments where fruit bats live.
- If you are in close contact with or caring for someone who has this disease.
How is Marburg virus diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose Marburg disease with a blood test . But it can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria, and typhoid fever .
Therefore, if you think you may have been exposed to Marburg virus through recent travel or other means, you should definitely tell your doctor.
Is there a treatment for Marburg virus disease?
Unfortunately, there is currently no specific treatment or cure for Marburg virus . Doctors can help manage your symptoms, treat any complications that may arise, and try to stabilize your condition. They may give you the following:
- Oxygen
- Intravenous (IV) fluids - that means things like saline.
- Treatment for specific symptoms, like painkillers.
What happens if I get Marburg virus?
If you have MVD, you should stay away from other people. Doctors and others who care for you should follow special safety precautions. This includes wearing protective clothing (such as a mask, gloves, goggles, and aprons) and isolating you from others. You should also be closely monitored for life-threatening complications.
Even after recovery, some long-term effects may occur. These include:
- Problems with memory and thinking ability.
- Peeling of the skin.
- Feeling tired all the time.
- Muscle pain.
- Hair loss.
Another important thing to remember is that even after you've recovered, the virus can live in semen for a long time . So, to prevent passing the disease on to your partner, use a condom during sex. Ask your doctor about tests that can confirm that the virus is no longer in your semen.
Can you survive the Marburg virus?
Marburg is usually a fatal disease . However, there are survivors. The average mortality rate is about 80% . However, in epidemic situations, this mortality rate can vary greatly. Sometimes it can vary from 23% to 90%. This means that not everyone's condition is the same.
How to protect yourself from the Marburg virus? This is the most important part!
Public health organizations are trying to control outbreaks like this by monitoring new cases, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers caring for MVD patients, and so on. Here are some steps you can take:
- If you are caring for a patient with MVD, be sure to use protective equipment (such as a mask, goggles, apron, gloves). Avoid contact with their body fluids. Even if you wear gloves, wash your hands thoroughly after contact.
- Use condoms or abstain from sex until you are sure that the virus is not in your semen (if you or your partner have had MVD). Even if you are healthy, the virus can live in semen for a long time. There is little evidence that it can live that long in vaginal fluids.
- Avoid contact with anything that you think may have been contaminated with infected bodily fluids. Do not touch semen until you are sure it is virus-free.
- Avoid touching the body of someone who has died from MVD. If you must, use protective equipment. Be careful of this during funeral rituals as well.
- Avoid contact with animals such as fruit bats and monkeys and the places where they live (such as caves and mines).
- Avoid eating bush meat.
- If you have recently traveled to an area where Marburg virus is prevalent, monitor your symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately.
- If you think you may have Marburg, stay away from other people.
When should I see a doctor?
If you think you may have been exposed to Marburg virus – for example, if you live in an area where animals carry the virus, or if you have traveled to an area where there is an outbreak – and you develop symptoms, see a doctor right away. Keep an eye on your symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Tell your doctor that you may have had Marburg and how you were exposed.
When should you go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
If you have these serious symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately:
- High fever (over 103 Fahrenheit or 40 Celsius).
- Abnormal bleeding.
- Severe headache.
- Chest or stomach pain.
- Confusion or mental changes.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
It may be helpful to ask your doctor these questions:
- How can you prevent spreading the virus to others?
- What treatment options do I have?
- How long will I be contagious?
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Marburg is a rare, but potentially fatal disease . When you hear about outbreaks, it's normal to feel scared, "Oh, will this happen to me too?" However, if there's a chance you might be exposed to the Marburg virus, there are things you can do to protect yourself and prevent the virus from spreading.
The most important thing is to stay vigilant about your health if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. If you develop symptoms, do not panic or delay, but seek medical advice immediately. Being aware of these things and following safety measures is the best thing we can all do.
` Marburg virus, MVD, viral hemorrhagic fever, Ebola, infectious disease, Africa, symptoms, prevention
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