Marburg Virus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Diagnosis
What’s the Marburg Virus and What Does It Do to the Body?
The Marburg virus is a severe and highly contagious virus that is part of the same family of viruses as Ebola. The virus is spread through contact with bodily fluids and secretions such as saliva, urine, vomit, and feces. It is typically spread through close contact with infected individuals, and in some cases, infected animals.
This virus causes severe symptoms, including fever, headache, vomiting, sore throat, joint and muscle pains, and diarrhea. In some cases, it can also lead to severe internal bleeding and damage to internal organs. It has a mortality rate of up to 88%.
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus infection, though supportive medical care may help improve outcomes and alleviate symptoms.
Who Is Most at Risk for Marburg?
The people most at risk for acquiring Marburg virus are people who come into contact with infected bats, monkeys, and other primates in Africa. Exposure to contaminated body fluids or tissues from infected individuals is also a risk. Healthcare workers who are not properly trained and equipped for infection control are particularly vulnerable to infection.
How Long Can You Live With this Virus?
Marburg virus is a severe and highly fatal illness. It can cause death within 2-9 days after the onset of symptoms. Therefore, it is not possible to live with it for an extended period of time.
Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Preventions
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that affects millions of people every year. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Dengue fever can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.
What Countries Have the Marburg Virus?
The virus has only been seen in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. However, this RNA virus from the family Filoviridae, which has similar structure and symptoms to Ebola virus, was first identified in 1967 in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt.
Is Marburg or Ebola Worse?
Marburg and Ebola are both serious, sometimes fatal, viral illnesses with similar symptoms and modes of transmission. There is no definitive answer as to which virus is worse, as both can cause severe illness and death in those who become infected. However, Ebola is generally considered, according to the World Health Organization, to be more dangerous than Marburg virus.
How Much Should I Worry about Marburg?
In conclusion, it is important to take Marburg virus seriously and educate yourself about the dangers associated with it. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms, how it is spread, who is at risk, and what to do if you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus. However, it is extremely rare and the risk of exposure to Marburg virus is very low, even in areas where it is known to occur. Therefore, you may not need to worry excessively about Marburg virus.
Cheers!
For more stories follow me on Telegram
