After Ebola, should the world be scared for a Marburg epidemic?

By: Debjani Arora | | Published: October 12, 2014 1:42 pm

The world knows how the deadly Ebola virus has caused havoc creating a worldwide epidemic and claiming thousands of lives. The WHO statistics says that the virus has till now claimed 4,000 lives and has wrecked havoc in the West African nations from where it is believed to have originated. Just when all the medical experts and scientist are joining hands to fight the deadly virus whose cure is yet to be derived, another deadly virus is up in the arms to show its tenacity. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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Earlier it was reported that 60 healthcare workers were put on high alert in Uganda after an outbreak of Marburg. Fresh news says that Kenya is now on a high alert fearing an epidemic in the country. Moreover, one of the suspected Uganda victims has already succumbed to the deadly virus. Also Read - 7 reasons why the #BeefBan is good

Here are a few things you need to know about the Marburg virus,

What is Marburg virus?

The Marburg virus belongs to the Filoviridae family of viruses and like the Ebola virus causes hemorrhagic fever that could be fatal and life-threatening. Both the Marburg and Ebola virus are supposed to be deadly which produces similar symptom in humans, when one is affected with the same. The progress of both the viral diseases also appears to be same and usually results in death in most cases, as there isn t any vaccination or medication to prevent the advancement of the deadly disease. Bothe the viruses are native to Africa and are present in animal hosts. While the Ebola virus is found in African monkeys, chimps and other primates the Marburg virus is found in fruit bats, monkeys and chimps. (Read: 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection)

How is it transmitted?

Like the Ebola virus, Marburg virus is also transmitted through

blood transfusion,

other body fluids like blood serum, sweat or saliva

when contacted with faeces or waste products of the affected person

by using contaminated needles

eating raw or uncooked meat of animals affected with the virus

What are its symptoms?

The symptoms of Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever are almost the same. In the case of Marburg the incubation period is from 2 to 21 days, i.e., the time taken by the virus to wreck one’s system and lead to end-stage hemorrhagic fever. Here are the early symptoms,

Fever
Severe headache
Joint and muscle aches
Chills
Weakness

When the disease turns to be severe, the following symptoms can be noticed,

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea with blood stains in the stool
Redness of eyes
Rashes all over the body
Chest pain and cough
Stomach aches
Unexplained weight loss
Bleeding, usually from the eyes. It can also lead to bleeding from the nose, ears and the rectum
Internal bleeding

Why should we fear a Marburg outbreak?

With one epidemic creating worldwide mayhem, it is the least that the mankind would need to fight another deadly virus with all might. Here are reasons why we should fear a Marburg outbreak.

It has no definite cure: In the case of Ebola, experimental drugs are showing some positive results, however on one yet knows if the same will work for Marburg.

It can kill one within days: The reason why both Ebola and Marburg are considered deadly is because, the viruses interfere with the body s immune system and alters the natural defense mechanism of the body to fight viruses. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)

It can lead to multiple organ failures: The virus attacks every part of the body and lead to multiple organ failure due to which there are other complications that might develop along with the hemorrhagic fever.

It makes life miserable post recovery: The chances of recovering from this deadly disease are grim. However, if one survives there could be recurrent liver infection, hair loss, loss of sensory stimulation, headaches fatigue, eye inflammation and testicular inflammation too.

Should India worry about the same?

Till now no such incidence has been reported in the country either of Ebola or Marburg. However, in the affected country precautions are been taken to tackle the outbreak, so that affected people do not spread the virus to other countries. Travelers are screened for the virus before traveling to other countries from the affected areas.

Images courtesy: Getty Images

Published : October 12, 2014 1:42 pm

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