MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE

        MARBURG virus disease is a hemorrhagic fever.It is caused by a Zoonotic Virus known as Marburg virus-an RNA virus of the FILOVIRUS family.It was first reported in 1967 in Germany and killed 7 people and affected nearly 30 others.In 2005,another outbreak happened and this time in Angola and it killed 329 people.Recently 2 new cases were reported in the Ashanti region of Ghana. 

        Symptoms of MVD 

   Common ones

1. Nausea 
2. Vomitting 
3. Chest pain 
4. Abdominal pain   
5. Sore throat

    Serious ones

1. Massive hemorrhaging 
2. Multi-organ failure 
3. Shock 
4. Liver failure. 

                   

MODE OF TRANSMISSION  

People acquire the virus on coming in contact with African Fruit Bats.The virus then spreads through human-to-human transmission by direct contact with blood,mucous,secretions,etc of MVD infected person.It also spreads through contact with bedding,clothing,etc contaminated by MVD fluids. 

The mortality rate ranges from 20% to 80%,the average being near-about 50%. 

DETECTION OF THE VIRUS IS DONE BY 

1. ELISA 
2. PCR. 

TREATMENT 

Treatment is done by giving oral or intravenous fluids for maintaining rehydration,symptomatic treatment , maintaining adequate oxygen levels,etc. 

METHODS OF PREVENTION 

1. Wearing gloves,masks and protective gowns. 
2. Placing infected person in strict isolation.
3. Proper disposal of patients excretions. 

Is there any vaccine for MVD? 

                        Currently there is not 

any vaccine for treatment of MVD.Scientists are working round the clock for developing vaccine for MVD.several vaccines are in phase-1 clinical studies. 

Is there any reason to panic? 

     The answer is no,because this viral disease is very rare and has not taken the shape of an epidemic during its outbreaks.... 

  Thanks...