Nine individuals have died in Equatorial Guinea as a result of the deadly Marburg virus, and over 4,000 more are under quarantine. The virus, which is similar to the Ebola virus, is highly infectious. Infection is frequently lethal.
 |
| Marburg Virus simulation |
Once again, a virus is making headlines. It is the Marburg virus, which is related to the Ebola virus, this time. According to government sources, nine people died in Equatorial Guinea from the virus between January 7 and February 7. On February 10, another "suspicious" death is being examined.
In consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), Health Minister Mitoha Ondo'o Ayekaba proclaimed a "health warning" for Kié-Ntem province and the adjoining Mongomo district in the country's north-east on Monday. Approximately 4,000 individuals have been quarantined.
The Marburg virus is thought to be exceedingly infectious. The chances of dying from an infection are great. These are the most essential zoonotic facts.
What is the Marburg virus?
The Marburg virus is a zoonosis, which means that it may spread from animals to people or from humans to animals. The Marburg virus, like the Ebola virus, belongs to the Filoviridae family and is a hemorrhagic (roughly: bleeding, producing bleeding) fever sickness. The disease is also "extremely similar to Ebola fever in terms of transmission, incubation time, severity, and therapy," according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
In which regions is the Marburg virus found?
The disease first appeared in 1967. The epidemic occurred in Marburg, Germany. Seven individuals died at the time. Since the viruses' discovery, outbreaks have nearly entirely occurred on the African continent, particularly south of the Sahara. Angola saw the highest epidemic to date in 2005. At the time, about 200 individuals were killed.
How is the Marburg virus transmitted?
It is quite likely that bats and flying foxes constitute the virus's natural reservoir. These spread the infection through direct touch or by fluid exchange. Infection can also be contracted by eating contaminated wild meat ("bush meat"). The virus can also be passed from person to person by direct contact, primarily through bodily fluids such as contaminated blood, saliva, or sperm. Aerosols can also cause infection. The incubation period is five to 10 days.
Symptoms of Marburg virus
Marburg virus infection is generally severe and often lethal. According to the World Health Organization, the virus has an 88 percent chance of killing you. Symptoms include bleeding and vomiting blood, in addition to a temperature, headache, and muscular discomfort.