Marburg virus: Rapidly spreading in African countries

Marburg virus is a highly infectious and deadly virus that belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. It was first identified in 1967 during an outbreak in Marburg, Germany, in laboratory workers who had contact with infected African green monkeys. The Marburg virus causes a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and bleeding from various parts of the body. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the Marburg virus, and management is primarily supportive.

Origin of Marburg Virus
The Marburg virus was first identified during an outbreak in 1967 in the city of Marburg, Germany. The outbreak occurred in laboratory workers who had come into contact with African green monkeys that were imported from Uganda for research purposes. The virus was subsequently isolated and identified as a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. The natural reservoir of the Marburg virus is believed to be fruit bats, which can transmit the virus to other animals and occasionally to humans.

Since the initial outbreak in Germany, there have been several sporadic outbreaks of the Marburg virus in African countries, including Uganda, Angola, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These outbreaks have been linked to the hunting, preparation, and consumption of bats, as well as contact with infected non-human primates.

WHO told- from where this virus spread

However, there are outbreaks of Marburg virus in several Central African countries including Ghana. According to scientists, the outbreak came to light after lab experiments on African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) imported from Uganda. Subsequently, outbreaks and sporadic cases were reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. In 2008, 2 cases were reported in Uganda in travelers visiting a cave in Rousettus bat colonies.

Deadly fever comes due to this virus
It was told on the WHO website that humans who come in contact with Marburg virus disease get severe fever. Its infection was initially spread among people living in mines or caves of Roussetus bat colonies. Based on the investigation done there, it was said that once a person is infected with this virus, Marburg can be spread through the blood secretions of infected people, human-to-human contact with private parts. Apart from this, its infection spreads even after using the clothes of the patients such as bed etc.

How to take precautions form Marburg Virus

Taking precautions to prevent the spread of the Marburg virus involves minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. Some of the measures that can be taken include:

1. Avoid contact with bats, non-human primates, and other animals that may carry the virus.
2. Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, when caring for infected individuals or handling potentially infectious materials.
4. Practice safe burial practices to prevent the spread of the virus from the bodies of deceased individuals.
5. Avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals.
6. Implement infection control measures in healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of the virus among healthcare workers and patients.
7. Report any suspected cases of the Marburg virus to local health authorities and follow their guidance.
8. It’s also important to stay informed about the current situation and any updates from local health authorities or the World Health Organization.