An overview of the most important questions and answers about the highly contagious and life-threatening Marburg fever.
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What exactly is the Marburg virus?
The Marburg virus is closely related to the Ebola pathogen and is very dangerous. The virus is highly contagious and can cause a hemorrhagic fever – so-called Marburg fever. Bleeding can often occur with hemorrhagic fever. According to the World Health Organization, 24 to 90 percent of those infected die from the disease.
How is the Marburg virus transmitted?
The Marburg virus is transmitted from person to person primarily through direct contact with body fluids and also spreads through surfaces and materials such as bedding or clothing that are contaminated with infected fluids.
In addition, the virus can be transmitted through close contact with the deceased, for example during ritual washing. The greatest risk of infection therefore comes from inadequate hygiene precautions.
Experts suspect that initial infections in outbreaks often result from eating infected meat from wild animals such as monkeys, flying foxes or bats.
There are currently no antiviral medications or vaccinations against the Marburg virus approved. According to the World Health Organization, the risk of an epidemic in the country and the region is “high”, but is classified as “low” worldwide.
How does Marburg fever manifest itself?
Marburg fever, caused by the Marburg virus, is a serious hemorrhagic disease and is abruptly accompanied by severe headaches, high fever and severe malaise. Other symptoms that may indicate infection with Marburg virus include muscle pain, abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, followed by internal bleeding, shock and multi-organ failure.
Why is it called “Marburg virus”?
Although the Marburg virus occurs primarily in Africa, it was first described in Germany. In 1967, the virus broke out in a laboratory in the city of Marburg. It is now suspected that the virus was brought from Uganda by monkeys. The animals had previously been brought to Germany to obtain vaccines.
Several animal keepers then also became infected with the virus. A total of 31 people were infected at that time, seven of whom died.
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
