Introduction 

In the realm of deadly pathogens, few have captured the world’s attention quite like the Marburg virus disease. This enigmatic and highly lethal virus, belonging to the Filoviridae family, has instilled fear and intrigue since its discovery in 1967. Named after the German town where the first outbreak occurred, the Marburg virus disease has left a trail of devastation in its wake, presenting a formidable challenge to public health systems and medical communities worldwide.

The origin of Marburg virus disease

The epidemic potential and the high lethality of the Marburg virus represent a real danger that can compromise strenuous public health and economic gains that have been made. The Marburg virus is the causative agent of the Marburg virus disease, whose lethality rate can reach up to 88%. It is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted to humans by bats and spread by direct contact with the body fluids, surfaces and materials of infected people. During the first seven days, many patients show signs of severe hemorrhages. The disease is sometimes fatal in humans.

What you need to know about this disease

Marburg virus is a type of hemorrhagic fever virus that can cause severe illness in humans. People can contract Marburg virus by coming into contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, or feces of infected individuals. The virus can also be spread by handling contaminated objects, such as needles or syringes, that have been used by infected individuals.

The symptoms of Marburg virus typically begin to appear within 5-10 days after infection and can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a general feeling of malaise. As the disease progresses, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chest pain. In severe cases, Marburg virus can cause hemorrhagic symptoms, such as bleeding from the gums, nose, or rectum, as well as internal bleeding and organ failure.

How to prevent the spread of Marburg disease ? 

One of the key factors in ending the spread of epidemic diseases is, and remains, communication, to encourage people to adopt behaviours that break the chain of contamination. That’s why the media must be an essential choice, because of their broad coverage of the population, which is the key element. The media must be involved in managing the disease.

Therefore, to avoid becoming a source of contamination, it is important to avoid close physical contact with patients suffering from Marburg virus disease; wear gloves and personal protective equipment for health workers; and wash your hands regularly after visiting patients in hospitals or after treating them at home; informing the public about both the nature of the disease and the other barrier measures (rapid, safe and dignified burial of the deceased, identification of contacts and monitoring of their state of health for 21 days, notifying any cases of similar symptoms, maintaining good hygiene and a clean environment, etc. ) published by the authorities.

Conclusion

For the moment, it would be premature to imagine any similarities between Marburg and Covid-19. But this should not lead us to underestimate the danger that Marburg hemorrhagic fever may pose to public health. Regarding the developments in science and technology, there is every reason to be hopeful that we may have a vaccine within the next few years.