Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) found in China

 Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) 

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. The disease is characterized by hemorrhagic fever, which leads to severe bleeding, organ failure, and, in many cases, death.

Key Facts About Marburg Virus Disease

1. Origin:

   • MVD was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt (Germany), and Belgrade (Serbia).
   • The outbreaks were linked to laboratory workers exposed to African green monkeys imported from Uganda.

2. Reservoir:

   • The primary natural host of the virus is believed to be the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
   • These bats can carry the virus without showing symptoms, transmitting it to humans and other animals.

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Transmission

The virus spreads through direct contact with:

• Infected bodily fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, urine, feces, vomit, breast milk, or semen).
• Contaminated surfaces, materials, or needles.
• In some cases, prolonged close contact with infected individuals, particularly during care or burial practices.

The virus does not spread through the air, but healthcare workers, caregivers, and mourners involved in burial rites are at high risk of exposure.

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Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 2-21 days after exposure and progress in severity:

1. Early Symptoms:

   • Fever
   • Severe headache
   • Muscle aches and pain
   • Fatigue

2. Progressive Symptoms:

   • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (which may persist for a week)
   • Abdominal pain and cramping
   • Sore throat
   • Rash (non-itchy, maculopapular rash)

3. Severe Symptoms:

   • Hemorrhagic manifestations (e.g., bleeding from the nose, gums, or injection sites)
   • Multi-organ failure
   • Shock
   • Death (usually occurring 8–9 days after the onset of symptoms in fatal cases).

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Diagnosis

• Laboratory Tests: MVD can be diagnosed through techniques such as:
  • RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)
  • ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
  • Virus isolation or detection of viral antigens.
• Diagnosis should be performed in specialized high-containment laboratories.

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Treatment

• There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for MVD (as of 2025).
• Management is supportive:
  • Rehydration (oral or intravenous fluids)
  • Management of electrolytes and symptoms
  • Treatment of secondary infections
  • Blood and oxygen therapy, as needed.

Experimental treatments, including monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, are being explored.

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Prevention

1. Avoid Contact:

   • Limit exposure to fruit bats and primates in endemic areas.
   • Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked bushmeat.

2. Protective Measures:

   • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings.
   • Follow strict infection control protocols.

3. Community Awareness:

   • Educate communities about transmission risks, safe burial practices, and early healthcare-seeking behaviors.

4. Monitoring and Surveillance:

   • Early detection and containment of outbreaks are critical to prevent spread.

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Outbreaks

Major outbreaks of MVD have been recorded in several African countries, including:

• Angola (2005): The deadliest outbreak, with over 90% fatality.
• Uganda: Multiple outbreaks have occurred.
• Ghana (2022): A confirmed outbreak marked the first recorded cases in the country.

Fatality rates in outbreaks have ranged from 23% to 90%, depending on the strain and the quality of medical care available.

                                                                                                                               to be Continued........