Marburg virus Disease reported in Ghana
Context
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), two suspected cases of Marburg virus disease were reported in Ghana.
Key-Highlights
- In the preliminary analysis, samples were taken from two patients belonging to the southern Ashanti region of Ghana.
- Both patients died as they were positive.
- To confirm the presence of the virus, samples have now been sent to the research centre in Senegal.
- No new cases have been reported after these two deaths were reported.
About Marburg virus disease
- The Marburg Virus disease is an infectious haemorrhagic fever.
- It belongs to the same family as Ebola.
- The virus is transmitted to people via fruit bats.
- People to people transmission also takes place, if the uninfected person comes in direct contact with bodily fluids of the infected person or surfaces.
- Marburg virus has an incubation period of 2-21 days.
- This disease is potentially very harmful and deadly.
- Fatality rates in previous outbreaks have ranged from 24% to 88%.
Symptoms
- Common symptoms of Marburg virus disease include- high fever, severe malaise, severe headache, Muscle aches and pains.
- Patients may also see severe watery diarrhoea, nausea & vomiting, abdominal pain & cramping on the third day following the contracting.
- These symptoms persist for a week.
Treatment
- No treatment or vaccine has been developed for Marburg, yet.
- Patients are treated through rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids.
