Let’s get to know “Marburg virus”
What is Marburg virus?
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a virus that causes fever and haemorrhage. It is in the same family as the Ebola virus, named following the city of Marburg in Germany. The fruit bat, or scientific name Rousettus aegyptiacus, is considered a host animal for the virus. And come in contact with people by going into a cave to dig a mine where fruit bats live for a long time.
When was it first discovered?
Marburg virus was discovered in 1967 with a major outbreak in Marburg. and Frankfurt Germany, including Belgrade in Serbia which at the time involved a laboratory that used African green monkeys brought from Uganda.
What are the symptoms?
Fever, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, mild rash, confusion, irritability, or even violence. Until later, bleeding under the skin and organs such as vomiting blood. black or bloody stools Bleeding from the nose, mouth and vagina. Some people may have swelling and inflammation around the penis. until there is a pressure drop or shock Patients usually die quickly between 8-9 days following the first symptoms.
Where is the epidemic now?
Republic of Ghana (Ghana or Republic of Ghana), which is on the African continent.
Does this disease cause death?
In general, the World Health Organization found that Mortality rates are as high as 24-88 percent, depending on the species. diagnosis and treatment, in which the outbreak now has 2 deaths.
how to spread
Marburg disease is spread from animals to humans. By people entering the cave that is the habitat of the fruit bats. and later can spread from person to person through contact, such as open skin or epithelium including the blood and secretions of people with the virus It is also through contact surfaces or shared items such as clothing and bedding. In Africa it is often found at funerals. At the ritual, the body of the deceased was also touched.
Can it be treated?
There is currently no specific and proven treatment to reduce mortality. But there are research studies blood products Immunotherapy and medication in progress
Is there a vaccine to prevent it?
Not yet, but still in research.
Is there a chance of spreading worldwide?
Currently, the chances of an epidemic spreading around the world are quite low. However, this is a recurrent disease that requires close monitoring. because of severe symptoms and high chance of death more than COVID-19 and smallpox
Dr. Rapeepan Rattanawongnara Mord, MD.
Department of Infectious Diseases Department of Internal Medicine
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University
