Following the confirmation of the Marburg virus outbreak by the World Health Organization (WHO) that caused two deaths in Ghana, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued health alerts given the proximity of Ghana to Nigeria.
To guide in-country preparedness activities for MVD and other emerging viral haemorrhagic diseases, NCDC’s multisectoral Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Working Group (EVHDWG) conducted a rapid risk assessment.
According to NCDC experts and partners, given both countries’ proximity, the overall risk of importation and potential effects on Nigerians is moderate, as Ghana currently manages the situation well.
The Marburg virus, named after a city in Germany where it originated, causes Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever, one of the deadliest viral hemorrhagic fevers in the world. Virus transmission occurs through contact with animals or people infected with the virus and may be fatal in up to 88% of cases. This guide describes the symptoms, transmission, treatment, and prevention of the Marburg Virus so you can stay safe if you encounter it on your travels.
What Is the Marburg Virus?
Marburg virus is a hemorrhagic fever that has caused outbreaks in Africa, Asia, and Europe, in humans and non-human primates like the Ebola virus, its closest relation, and only other member of the Filoviridae family of viruses. The natural animal reservoir/host is fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
Two large outbreaks occurred in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany and Belgrade, Serbia, in 1967, which led to the initial recognition of the disease. The disease is fatal, but there are a few cases of recovery.
Signs & Symptoms of the Marburg Virus
The incubation period for Marburg virus disease varies from 2 to 21 days. Symptoms of Marburg include:
- Severe headache
- High Fever
- Severe malaise
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Extreme lethargy
- Non-itchy rash
- Haemorrhagic manifestations
Confusion, irritability, and aggression are also part of the symptoms. Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) has also been reported occasionally in the late phase (15 days).
The most common cause of death in fatal cases is severe blood loss and shock, usually occurring 8 to 9 days after contracting the infection.
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Transmission
Transmission of the Marburg virus occurs through contact with infected animals or people. There is evidence of the virus in the bodily fluids of infected animals, such as blood, saliva, urine, and faeces. The virus is also present in the tissues of infected animals. Infected people can spread the virus through bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, and faeces. Viral contamination can also occur through contact surfaces or objects that are contaminated.
Diagnosis
The clinical presentation of Marburg virus disease (MVD) can be challenging to distinguish from other viral hemorrhagic fevers such as malaria, typhoid, shigellosis, and meningitis. The following methods confirm the diagnosis of Marburg virus infection:
- Antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Antigen detection tests
- Serum neutralization tests
- Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and virus isolation by cell culture.
Non-inactivated samples from patients pose an extreme biohazard risk, and health agencies must follow maximum biological containment conditions. When transporting biological specimens nationally and internationally, it is necessary to use a triple packaging system.
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Treatment
There is no vaccine or cure for Marburg infection, but supportive care–rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids–and treatment of specific symptoms improve survival. Researchers investigate blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies as potential treatments.
Prevention of the Marburg Virus
Currently, no case of Marburg virus disease has occurred in Nigeria. However, several measures are being put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to prevent an outbreak. They urged Nigerians to adhere strictly to the following preventive measures:
- Avoid traveling to locations where the outbreak is occurring unless it is essential.
- Do not come in direct contact with people with suspected cases of the Marburg virus diseases.
- Keep away from fruit bats and other sick animals near animal reservoirs.
- Persons who exhibit the symptoms described above should be referred to healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
- Keeping suspects and confirmed cases isolated is the best way to avoid direct contact. Doctors should wear protective gowns, masks, and gloves.
- For all suspected patients, infection prevention and control must be adhered to strictly.
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As the above guide shows, Marburg is extremely dangerous, and disregarding it is risky for the country. The thing to remember about the virus is that it could be anywhere and spread through contact with animals, dead or alive. So make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date, especially the yellow fever vaccine, practice good hygiene, and do not come into contact with people already exhibiting symptoms or go to places where bats may live.
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