Marburg virus is a highly virulent and deadly virus that belongs to the family Filoviridae, which also includes the Ebola virus. It was first identified in 1967 when a group of laboratory workers in the town of Marburg, Germany, developed a severe hemorrhagic fever after being exposed to infected African green monkeys imported from Uganda.

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TheMarburgVirus
Marburg virus is a highly virulent and deadly virus that
belongs to the family Filoviridae, which also includes the
Ebola virus. It was first identified in 1967 when a group
of laboratory workers in the town of Marburg, Germany,
developed a severe hemorrhagic fever after being
exposed to infected African green monkeys imported
from Uganda.
The Marburg virus is primarily found in Africa and is
transmitted to humans through contact with infected
animals such as fruit bats and monkeys, or through
contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. The
virus can also be transmitted through contaminated
needles or Medical equipment.

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Symptoms
Incubation: 2–21 days, averaging 5–9 days
Day 1 to Day 5: Early Signs
An infected person will present with a high fever of 104 °F (~40˚C) and a sudden, severe headache,
with accompanying chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pharyngitis, maculopapular rash,
abdominal pain, conjunctivitis and malaise.
Day 5 up to Day 13: Organ Failure onset
Symptoms include prostration, dyspnea, oedema, conjunctival injection, viral exanthema, and CNS
symptoms, including encephalitis, confusion, delirium, apathy, and aggression. Haemorrhagic
symptoms typically occur late and herald the end of the early organ phase, leading either to eventual
recovery or worsening and death.
Day 5 up to Day 13: Organ Failure
Symptoms bifurcate into two constellations for survivors and fatal cases. Survivors will enter a
convalescence phase, experiencing myalgia, fibromyalgia, hepatitis, asthenia, ocular symptoms, and
psychosis. Fatal cases continue to deteriorate, experiencing continued fever, obtundation, coma,
convulsions, diffuse coagulopathy, metabolic disturbances, shock and death, with death typically
occurring between days 8 and 16

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Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests that may be used to confirm a Marburg
virus infection include
●Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: This test can
detect the presence of viral RNA in blood, urine, or other
bodily fluids. PCR is a rapid and sensitive test that can be
used to confirm a Marburg virus infection within a few
days of symptom onset.
●Antibody tests: Antibodies are proteins produced by the
immune system in response to an infection. Blood
samples can be tested for the presence of Marburg virus-
specific antibodies, which can indicate a past or current
infection.
●Virus isolation: The Marburg virus can be isolated from
blood, urine, or other bodily fluids using cell culture
techniques. However, this method is time-consuming and
requires specialized laboratory facilities.

4. Precautions
1) Avoid contact with infected animals: Marburg virus is thought to originate from fruit bats, but it can also be
transmitted through contact with infected monkeys, chimpanzees, or other animals. Avoiding contact with these
animals and their bodily fluids is critical.
2) Practice good hand hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water is an effective way to prevent the
spread of the virus. Use hand sanitisers if soap and water are not available.
3) Wear personal protective equipment: Healthcare workers and other individuals who may come into contact
with infected patients should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and
gowns.
4) Avoid contact with infected individuals: Individuals who have contracted the Marburg virus should be isolated
and treated in a specialized medical facility to prevent the spread of the disease.
5) Follow public health guidelines: In the event of an outbreak, it is important to follow any public health guidelines
or recommendations, such as avoiding travel to affected areas or limiting contact with individuals who have
recently travelled from affected areas.
NB; It is important to note that there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Marburg virus disease.
Therefore, prevention measures are critical to controlling the spread of the disease.

5. Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus infection.
Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment, which includes:
●Maintaining hydration: Patients with Marburg virus infection can become
dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhoea. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
can be given to maintain hydration and correct electrolyte imbalances.
●Managing symptoms: Pain relievers and fever-reducing medications can be
given to help manage the symptoms of Marburg virus infection.
●Treating complications: Patients with severe cases of Marburg virus infection
may develop complications such as bleeding, organ failure, and shock. These
complications require prompt medical attention and supportive care.