Marburg virus is usually transmitted to humans through infected fruit bats and animals that come into contact with these bats. It is transmitted between humans through direct contact with the body fluids (blood, sweat, urine) of an infected person.
What is Marburg virus?
Marburg virus Germany It first appeared in Marburg in 1967 and took its name from this city. Marburg virus is usually transmitted to humans through infected animals, especially fruit bats. It can be transmitted between people through direct contact. It is a rare but fatal virus belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus and causes Marburg virus disease (MVD). The virus begins in humans with symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches and muscle aches, and can then lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe bleeding. People infected with the virus may experience internal and external bleeding, usually within a few days.
What are the symptoms of Marburg virus?
Marburg virus symptoms usually appear 2 to 21 days after infection. Symptoms worsen as the disease progresses and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of Marburg virus are as follows:
- High fever and severe headache
- Muscle and joint pains
- Severe weakness and fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- redness of the eyes
- Stomach ache
- In later stages, internal and external bleeding (nose, gums, subcutaneous)
- Bloody stool and vomit
- Shock and multiple organ failure
How is Marburg virus transmitted?
Marburg virus is transmitted through contact from infected animals or humans. Here are the ways of transmission:
- Bat contact: The natural source of the virus is fruit bats. People who come into direct contact with these bats can become infected.
- Infected animals: The first cases of transmission of the disease occurred through contact with infected primates (monkeys and chimpanzees).
- Interhuman transmission: The virus spreads through contact with the body fluids (blood, sweat, urine, vomit, feces) of an infected person.
- Medical supplies: Healthcare workers who come into contact with unsterilized medical instruments are also at risk.
What does Marburg virus do?
Marburg virus causes a serious infection in the human body, causing hemorrhagic fever. When infected, the virus begins with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, and progresses rapidly, causing digestive system disorders such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the later stages of the disease, bleeding in internal organs and failure of organs such as the liver and kidneys may develop. As blood circulation is impaired, shock and multiple organ failure may occur, which increases the risk of death.
What is the treatment for Marburg virus?
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus. Treatment usually focuses on supportive care and aims to relieve the symptoms of the disease. This treatment includes methods such as maintaining body fluids and electrolyte balance, maintaining oxygen levels, keeping blood pressure under control and blood transfusion. Early intervention can increase the chances of recovery. Intensive care and infection control measures are critical to prevent the spread of the disease.
Is Marburg virus present in Turkey?
Marburg virus is not a disease seen locally in Turkey and no cases have been reported in Turkey to date. Marburg virus has caused epidemics in parts of Africa, and the disease is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or humans. Although there is no risk of Marburg virus in Turkey, it is important to be careful due to international travel and visits to epidemic areas.