Worries about the Marburg virus getting out of hand

Abstract

Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a very serious infection with a high mortality rate caused by the Marburg virus (MARV) [1] . It was first identified in Europe in 1967, and it is in the same family as Ebola [2] . Recently, the highly infectious MARV has been reported in the West African country of Ghana [3] . MARV is transmitted to humans by African fruit bats due to their work in mines and caves [3] . In addition, this virus can also be transmitted from human to human through exposure to body fluids, skin lesions, and unprotected sex [1,3] . Fortunately, MVD is not an airborne disease, and transmission does not occur during the incubation period [4] . Clinically, the MARV infection may present as a high fever, severe headache, malaise, hemorrhage, and a non-itchy rash on the chest and back [3,5] . Death occurs due to severe blood loss and multiorgan dysfunction. Diagnosis can be done by several tests, such as isolation in viral culture, polymerase chain reaction serology, and immunohistochemistry [3,5] . The main treatment for patients with MARV infection is supportive therapy, such as dehydration and supplemental oxygen [3,5] . In contrast, there is no antiviral drug or vaccine approved against MARV [1,5] . In conclusion, noncompliance with appropriate protective measures, when handling animals and the lack of a specific treatment or vaccine available, led to the MVD outbreak. However, educational public health messages are essential to stopping the spread of MVD. We recommend following the health care guidelines, such as thoroughly cooking animal products and using appropriate protective clothing in contact with animals; moreover, animal products should be cooked before consumption. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients. All these preventative methods can help prevent an outbreak and avoid a pandemic, like the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which led to the isolation of the world for nearly 2 years and claimed more than a million lives. Ethical approvalNot applicable. Sources of fundingThere is no funding source.