DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Marburg Virus Disease

HIGH SEVERITY

A severe, often fatal hemorrhagic fever caused by Marburg virus, related to Ebola virus. Transmitted through contact with infected animals (primarily fruit bats) or person-to-person through bodily fluids. First recognized in 1967 in Germany and Yugoslavia. Case fatality rate 23-90%.

Global Affected

50.0K

Countries

31

Symptoms

Sudden onset fever
Chills
Headache
Muscle pain
Rash
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Sore throat
Jaundice
Severe weight loss
Bleeding (multiple sites)
Delirium
Shock
Organ failure

Treatment Options

Supportive care
IV fluid replacement
Electrolyte management
Blood transfusion
Treatment of secondary infections
Organ support (dialysis, ventilation)
Experimental therapies
Pain management
Nutritional support
Intensive care

Risk Factors

1Contact with Rousettus fruit bats
2Contact with infected primates
3Mining in bat-infested caves
4Contact with infected bodily fluids
5Healthcare worker exposure
6Handling infected deceased bodies
7Travel to outbreak areas
8Bushmeat handling

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1RT-PCR
  • 2Antigen detection
  • 3Serological tests (IgM, IgG)
  • 4Viral isolation
  • 5Clinical evaluation
  • 6Epidemiological link
  • 7Post-mortem diagnosis

Prognosis

Guarded. Case fatality rate 23-90%. Early supportive care improves survival. Recovery may be prolonged. Survivors may have long-term complications including uveitis, orchitis, transverse myelitis. Immunity after recovery. No reinfection documented.

Prevention

  • Avoid bat habitats (caves, mines)
  • Avoid contact with primates
  • Avoid bushmeat
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Isolation of patients
  • Contact tracing
  • Safe burial practices
  • Surveillance systems
  • Rapid response teams
  • Health education

Research Status

No specific treatment or vaccine approved. Supportive care only. Fluid replacement. Treatment of complications. Experimental treatments studied. Isolation and infection control crucial. Contact tracing. Surveillance in endemic areas. Rapid response teams.

Sources

  • https://www.who.int/health-topics/marburg-virus-disease
  • https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/marburg
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/marburg-virus

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.