And in Rwanda efforts are being focused to keep its first an outbreakas confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Marburg virus diseasean extremely virulent disease like Ebola, it could have come to Europe now. The alarm went off right at Hamburgafter a passenger, coming from the continent of Africa, arrived at the central station of the German city in the presence of symptoms of the disease. Here’s what the virus is, what symptoms it causes and how to prevent it infection.
The outbreak in Rwanda
The Marburg virus
Belonging to the Filoviridae, the same family as the virus Ebolamulti Marburg Marburg virus (Marv) was first described in 1967 and the disease is caused by Marburg virus (Mvd), also known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever. Although they are two different viruses, Ebola and Marburg cause clinically very similar diseases, as well as their case fatality rates. The death rate of the MVD, in fact, is about 50%, varying from 24 to 88%. “In fatal cases, death occurs between 8 and 16 days from onset and is attributable to dehydration, internal bleeding and multiple organ failure,” they explain at the High Institute of Health (ISS).
The symptoms
After an incubation of 5-10 days (it can even reach up to 21 days), the symptoms are similar to those of other infectious diseases, such as malaria, typhoid fever, dengue and other hemorrhagic fevers (Ebola), appear suddenly and they are. in the beginning non-specificfor example high fever, severe headache and malaise. About three days after onset, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also appear and, subsequently, hemorrhagic manifestations may occur. In fatal cases, the death It happens about 8-9 days after symptoms start, and usually there is a lot of blood loss.
The contagion
Originally transmitted by several species of bat carriers of the virus, infection occurs from person to person through the direct contact with blood or other body fluids an infected person or through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. “The risk of transmission is higher during the final stages of the disease, in the presence of vomiting, diarrhea or bleeding”specify from the ISS. “The danger cross-addressing during the incubation period it is negligible.”
Prevention and treatment
Until now Specific treatments and vaccines are not available (several candidates are being developed), prevent Marburg virus disease. For those affected, therefore, we proceed with supportive therapy, which consists of maintaining hydration and electrolytes, blood transfusions and oxygen therapy. To prevent it diffusionInstead, it is necessary to implement strategies aimed at interfering with its transmission. These include, for example: early identification of cases, isolation, contact tracing and use of personal protective equipment. “These strategies – they write the experts – They have proven effective in controlling previous outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg disease.”