After Covid-19, another deadly virus outbreak is looming large. This virus named Marburg can cause severe infections in humans. Possessing Ebola-like features, it causes Marburg virus disease. WHO has recently confirmed outbreak of deadly disease in E-Guniea.
What is Marburg Virus Disease? It is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever affecting both people and other primates. The virus disease has no cure - either vaccine or drug treatment. It is caused by Marburg virus, an extremely dangerous Risk Group 4 pathogen. CDC has categorized this virus as Bioterrorism agent which has a potential to kill 90% patients.
The deadly virus is believed to have originated in African fruit bats. It was first identified in 1967 in Germany. Marburg virus causes a range of symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, blood vomiting, diarrhea etc. It can impact every organ and cause a shock-like syndrome.
How does it spread? The virus can transmit through blood, vomit, feces and urine of an infected person. It can also enter anyone’s body through contaminated surfaces. It is caused due to prolonged exposure in caves inhabited by bats Marburg virus infection is, however, not airborne unlike SARS-CoV-2.