Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Health
Why in News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a new case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Uganda.
Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.
First detection –It was initially detected in 1967 after two simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia.
Causative agents -Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) of the species Orthomarburgvirus marburgense are the causative agents of Marburg virus disease (MVD).
Both viruses are part of the Filoviridae family (filovirus) to which Orthoebolavirus genus belongs.
Though caused by different viruses, Ebola and Marburg diseases are clinically similar.
Host -Rousettus aegyptiacus, a fruit bat of the Pteropodidae family, is considered the natural host of Marburg virus.
Transmission
Zoonotic Reservoir (Animal-to-Human) - Primarily transmitted to humans via prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by colonies of Rousettus fruit bats.
Human-to-Human Spread - Occurs through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people, or via surfaces/materials contaminated with these fluids.
Incubation Period- Varies from 2 to 21 days.
Symptoms - Onset is sudden and severe, beginning with high fever, debilitating headache, extreme malaise, and muscle aches.
By day 3, patients typically experience severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.
Hemorrhagic Phase - Severe hemorrhagic manifestations (internal and external bleeding, often from multiple areas) develop between days 5 and 7.
Diagnosis -It can be difficult to clinically distinguish MVD from other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, meningitis and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Fatality-The average case fatality rate (CFR) hovers around 50%, but has historically reached up to 88%, depending on the viral strain and case management.
Treatment - There are currently no officially approved antiviral treatments or vaccines for Marburg virus.
Clinical Trials- Investigational candidates (such as Sabin’s cAd3-Marburg vaccine) are undergoing active clinical trials.
