First two cases of Marburg virus in Ghana

The first two cases of the Marburg virus, a highly infectious Ebola-like disease, have been confirmed officially by Ghana after test results were verified by a Senegal laboratory.

Context

The first two cases of the Marburg virus, a highly infectious Ebola-like disease, have been confirmed officially by Ghana after test results were verified by a Senegal laboratory.

What is the Marburg virus disease?

• According to the WHO,Marburg virus disease (MVD), earlier known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal hemorrhagic fever.
• Marburg, like Ebola, is a filovirus; and both diseases are clinically similar.
• Rousettus fruit-bats are considered the natural hosts for Marburg virus. 
• However, African green monkeys imported from Uganda were the source of the first human infection.
• It is difficult to clinically distinguish MVD from diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and other viral haemorrhagic fevers. 
• However, it is confirmed by lab testing of samples, which like Coronavirus and Ebola are extreme biohazard risk.
  

Background

• It was first detected in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany; and in Belgrade, Serbia.
• The disease has an average fatality rate of around 50%. 
• However, it can be as low as 24% or as high as 88% depending on virus strain and case management.

Symptoms

• After the onset of symptoms, which can begin anytime between 2 to 21 days.
• MVD can manifest itself in the form of high fever, muscle aches and severe headache.
• Around the third day, patients report abdominal pain, vomiting, severe watery diarrhoea and cramping.
• In this phase,the appearance of patients has been often described as “ghost-like” with deep-set eyes, expressionless faces, and extreme lethargy.
• Between days 5 and 7, patients report bleeding from nose, gums and blood appearing in vomits and faeces. 
• Severe blood loss leads to death, often between 8 to 9 days after symptoms begin.
  

How can Marburg virus disease be diagnosed and treated?

• There is no approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for MVD as of now. 
• It can be managed with supportive care.
• According to the WHO, rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of specific symptoms can help prevent death.