Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea: All you need to know

By Gkbooks 14 February, 2023

The World Health Organization says that Equatorial Guinea has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease.

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The Marburg virus causes Marburg virus disease (MVD) in humans, which is often fatal without treatment.

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In 1967, Marburg virus was discovered and characterized following outbreaks that occurred simultaneously in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, the capital of Yugoslavia.

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Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the same viral family called Filoviridae (filovirus). Even though they are caused by different viruses, both diseases share many similarities.

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Similar to Ebola, Marburg virus originates in bats, and is extremely contagious, transmitting between individuals through direct contact with infected individuals' bodily ........

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fluids, or contaminated objects such as clothing or bedsheets. Close interaction between healthcare workers and patients can also lead to infection.

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MVD symptoms consist of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage. The illness commences with a severe headache and high fever, ...

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followed by abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. WHO reports that several patients experience severe bleeding issues within 5 to 7 days.

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The Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea has resulted in the deaths of nine people, and 16 others are suspected to be infected.

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