According to Bloomberg, Tanzania reported its first outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus after eight people developed symptoms including fever, vomiting, bleeding, and kidney failure¹. Testing by the east African country confirmed the presence of the highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever⁵.
The Sun reports that those traveling to countries affected by the Marburg outbreak have been warned to check themselves for key symptoms².
Introduction
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare but deadly infection that causes severe hemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola and has a high fatality rate of up to 88%. The virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials. There are no vaccines or specific treatments for MVD, but supportive care and early detection can improve survival chances.
Background
Tanzania confirmed its first-ever outbreak of MVD on 21 March 2023, after conducting laboratory tests in the country’s northwest Kagera region. The outbreak was detected after eight people in two villages developed symptoms of the disease, including fever, vomiting, bleeding, and kidney failure. Five of the eight confirmed cases have died, including a health worker, and the remaining three are being treated. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners are supporting the national authorities to rapidly scale up control measures and end the outbreak as soon as possible.
Losses
The outbreak has claimed five lives so far, which is a tragic loss for the affected families and communities. The death of a health worker also highlights the risk and sacrifice that frontline workers face in responding to such outbreaks. The outbreak has also disrupted the normal functioning of the health system and affected other essential services. The economic and social impact of the outbreak is yet to be assessed, but it is likely to be significant given the fear and stigma associated with MVD.
Epidemiology
The source and mode of transmission of the outbreak are still under investigation, but it is suspected that the index case was exposed to fruit bats or their droppings in a cave near one of the affected villages. Fruit bats are known to be natural reservoirs of Marburg virus and can infect humans through bites, scratches, or contact with their saliva, urine, or feces. Human-to-human transmission can occur through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated objects. The incubation period of MVD ranges from 2 to 21 days, meaning that people who have been exposed to the virus may not show symptoms for up to three weeks.
Symptoms
The symptoms of MVD start suddenly, with
high fever
severe headache
intense malaise
Other symptoms may include
muscle pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding from gums, nose, eyes, or other sites.
Some patients may also develop shock, organ failure, or neurological complications. The diagnosis of MVD can only be confirmed by laboratory tests on blood or tissue samples. Anyone who has been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of MVD should seek medical attention immediately if they develop any symptoms.
Summary
MVD is a serious and often fatal disease that has no cure or vaccine. The best way to prevent and control outbreaks is to avoid contact with fruit bats or their droppings, practice good hygiene and infection prevention measures, report any suspected cases promptly, and follow public health advice. The Tanzanian government and its partners are working hard to contain the outbreak and provide care and support to those affected. The public is urged to remain calm and cooperate with the response efforts.
Source:
Conversation with Bing, 4/4/2023(1) Deadly Marburg Virus Spreads to Tanzania for First Time. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-22/deadly-marburg-virus-spreads-to-tanzania-for-first-time Accessed 4/4/2023.
(2) Deadly Marburg Virus Spreads to Tanzania for the First Time. https://time.com/6265029/marburg-virus-spreads-tanzania/ Accessed 4/4/2023.
(3) Urgent warning to be alert for Marburg virus symptoms – as Ebola-like bug has 90% kill rate. https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/21920406/marburg-travel-warning-symptoms/ Accessed 4/4/2023.
(4) CDC Warns of Marburg Virus After Deadly Africa Outbreak. https://greekreporter.com/2023/04/04/cdc-marburg-virus-deadly-africa-outbreak/ Accessed 4/4/2023.
(5) Tanzania on high alert after Marburg outbreak. https://www.scidev.net/global/news/tanzania-alert-marburg-outbreak/ Accessed 4/4/2023.
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