Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever

Marburg haemorrhagic fever is a rare, severe type of haemorrhagic fever, which affects both humans and non-human primates. Marburg virus is indigenous to Africa. While the geographic area to which it is native is unknown, this area appears to include at least parts of Uganda and Western Kenya, and perhaps Zimbabwe. Spread of the virus between humans has occurred in a setting of close contact, often in a hospital. Droplets of body fluids, or direct contact with persons, equipment, or other objects contaminated with infectious blood or tissues are all highly suspected as sources of disease.

Manifestations: After an incubation period of 5-10 days, the onset of the disease is sudden and marked by:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Myalgia

Around the fifth day after the onset of symptoms:

• Rash, most prominent on the trunk (chest, back, stomach)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea then may appear.

Symptoms become increasingly severe and may include

• Jaundice
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Severe weight loss
• Delirium
• Shock
• Liver failure
• Massive haemorrhaging
• Multi-organ dysfunction.

Diagnose and treatment: Disease is demonstrated by blood test. Treatment is not available.

Prevent Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever by:

• Prevent direct physical contact with the patients
• Avoid contact with contaminated blood.

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