Marburg virus disease is a deadly, but rare, hemorrhagic fever similar toEbola.
As many as nine in 10 people with the virus die as a result of the infection.
Outbreaks of Marburg virus are extremely uncommon.
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The outbreaks started in laboratory workers and then spread to healthcare workers and caregivers.
The initial infections were traced back to a shipment of infected African green monkeys from Uganda.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus
Marburg virus causes symptoms that come on suddenly and become increasingly severe.
LikeEbola, Marburg virus disease can cause severe hemorrhaging that leads to shock, organ failure, or death.
Marburg virus disease is often fatal.
These complications can include:
How Do People Get the Marburg Virus?
Marburg virus disease is sparked by the Marburgvirus single-stranded RNA virus.
Studies are needed to determine if there could be a return of virus-induced signs and symptoms with pregnancy.
How Is Marburg Virus Diagnosed?
Thats why doctors rely on lab tests like ELISA or PCR to make an official diagnosis.
Is Marburg Virus Treatable?
No cure currently exists for Marburg virus.
No vaccine is currently available to prevent Marburg, though one is in the early stages of development.
These include:
These precautions extend beyond healthcare parameters.
However, given what we know already, certain animal groups should be avoided.
These include:
Summary
Marburg virus disease is a rare but deadly hemorrhagic fever.
It spreads with contact with African fruit bats, body fluids, and contaminated objects.
Symptoms include fever, malaise, a non-itchy rash, neurological changes, and severe bleeding.
It has a high fatality rate, with many people dying about eight to nine days after symptoms appear.
They’ll then take blood tests to determine a diagnosis.
While there is no cure for the disease, treatment helps manage symptoms and prevent complications.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Marburg disease.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Marburg disease.