The virus was first identified in Marburg, Germany, in 1967. Suddenly more and more people were admitted to the hospital with symptoms that initially resembled the summer flu. But then the symptoms of the disease became more and more diffuse and the doctors realized that they were dealing with a dangerous and previously unknown enemy. Especially with someone who has traveled a long way. “It was a new thing that a virus was brought into Germany from Africa and claimed lives here,” says Stephan Becker, a virologist at the University of Marburg. Monkeys imported from Uganda for experiments brought it with them, and laboratory workers in particular became infected. But there was also something good about the whole thing: “The outbreak was the initial spark for understanding highly pathogenic viruses,” says Becker. “The problem with these infections is that the human immune system is not prepared for them. He reacts wrongly.” He can’t interpret these viruses. “It causes the immune system to overreact. It’s called a cytokine storm – that’s why people die.”
So far there is no vaccination or medication. You can find out the full story of how the virus was discovered here. (fairy)