Marburg Virus: Everything To Know About This Eye Bleed Causing Virus
Marburg virus is a highly infectious virus that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates. It belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus, the Filoviridae. The virus can cause extensive internal and external bleeding, including from the eyes, due to its effect on blood vessel walls and clotting systems. This symptom is rare but can occur in severe cases. Marburg virus is deadly, with mortality rates ranging from 24% to 88%, depending on outbreak management and healthcare resources. Read on as we discuss the history, causes, signs, prevention and treatment of this virus.
The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt (Germany) and Belgrade (Serbia). Researchers linked the outbreaks to African green monkeys imported for laboratory studies. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in Africa, notably in Angola (2004–2005) and Uganda (2017). These outbreaks highlight the virus's potential for high mortality and rapid spread.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans through prolonged exposure to fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which are natural reservoirs of the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs through:
Symptoms typically appear 2–21 days after infection and may include:
There is no specific antiviral treatment for the Marburg virus. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment and may include:
Prompt isolation of suspected cases, supportive medical care, and stringent infection control measures are critical to improving survival rates and limiting outbreaks.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information, does not claim responsibility for this information.
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