WHO announces two deaths from Marburg virus

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed two deaths in Ghana from the Marburg virus. Two men, aged 26 and 51 have died.

Marburg is a highly infectious disease, similar to Ebola, which does not currently have a vaccine or approved treatment. The Ghanian authorities are currently working to mitigate the spread of the virus, and the WHO is collecting resources and sending specialists to the country. The article was published in The Washington Post. 

“Health authorities have responded swiftly, getting a head start preparing for a possible outbreak. This is good because without immediate and decisive action, Marburg can easily get out of hand,” said the WHO’s regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti.

What is the Marburg virus?

Marburg is a rare, but very contagious, hemorrhagic fever virus. According to the WHO, mortality rates range from 24% to 88% depending on the strain of the virus and the quality of the treatment received.

Experts suggest that Marburg virus passes to humans from the fruit bat, Rousettus, as a result of prolonged contact in mines and caves.

The virus can actively spread between people who come in direct contact with biological fluids (blood, saliva, urine, semen) as well as via surfaces and materials. The bodies of people who die of Marburg may remain contagious during and after burial.

According to the CDC, the virus is “not native” to continents outside Africa. In Europe, the first outbreak of the disease was recorded in 1967. It is thought that the virus was transported to Europe from Uganda. Seven deaths were recorded during that outbreak.

Symptoms of Marburg

Over a number of outbreaks experts have been able to observe the way the Marburg virus affects people. The disease is said to begin “suddenly” - with high fevers, sever headaches and malaise. Muscle pain and convulsions are also common symptoms. Both patients from Ghana had nausea and vomiting.

By day five, a rash may appear on the chest, back and abdomen. In the most severe cases, death occurs around day nine after the onset of the disease.

Is it possible to treat Marburg?

There are currently no vaccines or antiviral agents approved for the treatment of the Marburg virus. But, according disease experts, supportive therapy can improve the condition of the patients and improve their chance of survival.

Rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, maintaining oxygen levels and treating specific symptoms as they occur are the main methods used to support patients with Marburg.

Some experts also believe that drugs designed to treat Ebola may help in the treatment of the Marburg virus - but more research is needed.