Tanzania Declares First Marburg Virus Disease Epidemic With Five Fatalities

Tanzania has reported its first epidemic of Marburg virus disease (MVD) with five fatalities and three more cases.

Highlights:

Marburg virus disease is a severe hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus related to Ebola that has a high mortality rate ranging from 24% to 88%
The virus is primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans and then spreads from person to person through contaminated bodily fluids or objects
Treatment options for Marburg virus disease are limited, and no vaccines or specific therapies exist. However, managing symptoms, such as rehydration and maintaining proper blood and oxygen levels, can improve the patient's chances of survival

Tanzania has declared its first epidemic of the deadly Marburg virus disease (MVD), following the revelation of five fatalities and three further cases at a hospital in the country's northwestern Kagera district.

According to the World Health Organization, roughly 161 persons have been identified as being at risk of infection through contact tracing (WHO). The government has sent an emergency response team to the area, and neighboring countries have increased their patrols. Outside of Kagera, no instances have been reported.

“The efforts by Tanzania’s health authorities to establish the cause of the disease is a clear indication of the determination to effectively respond to the outbreak,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa. “We are working with the government to rapidly scale up control measures to halt the spread of the virus and end the outbreak as soon as possible.”

According to a health memorandum released by Tanzanian health minister Ummy Mwalimu, the sickness was first diagnosed in two Kagera villages last week.

Marburg Virus Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Marburg virus is an animal virus that has infected the human race and first reported from Marburg. The virus is incidentally from the same family as the one that causes Ebola.

‘Tanzania reports its first epidemic of Marburg virus disease with five fatalities and three more cases. The WHO has identified around 161 people at risk of infection. Marburg virus disease is related to Ebola and has a severe hemorrhagic fever, with death rates ranging from 24% to 88%.’

What is Marburg Virus Disease?

Marburg virus disease was discovered in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, as well as in Belgrade, Serbia. It is related to Ebola and causes severe hemorrhagic fever, with death rates ranging from 24% to 88%. Since its discovery, there have been multiple outbreaks, the worst of which occurred in Angola in 2004-2005, with 252 cases and 227 deaths.

First Marburg Virus Disease Death in West Africa
Death due to Marburg virus disease reported in West Africa. There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved. However, supportive care, rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.

How Does the Marburg Virus Disease Spread?

The virus is first spread to humans by fruit bats, then from person to person via body fluids or contaminated things. Family members and medical personnel are especially prone to illness.

"Disease X" Now on the Priority Disease List: WHO
Disease X has been listed under the priority diseases. According to the WHO, this disease can potentially trigger deadly global epidemic in the near future.

Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease

The disease's symptoms can range from fever, nausea, and rash at the start to jaundice and significant weight loss as the condition advances. It can take up to 21 days to incubate.

Ebola Virus Disease | Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever: Cause Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment
Ebola is caused by a virus via direct contact with body fluids or infected blood. Scientists have identified five types of Ebola or Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus.

Treatment of Marburg Virus Disease

Although there are no vaccines or therapies for the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that relieving symptoms through rehydration or regulating the patient's blood and oxygen levels can boost the patient's chances of survival.

African Health Authority's Response to Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is also assisting in the outbreak's containment. Tanzania is dealing with the virus for the first time, less than a month after Equatorial Guinea reported its first case.

"These new and re-emerging infectious diseases are an indication that the continent's health security needs to be enhanced to deal with disease threats," said Africa CDC director Ahmed Ogwell Ouma. "We urge members of the public to continue providing information with authorities in a timely way to enable the best effective response."

Tanzania's health ministry has urged individuals to exercise general caution and observe health precautions until the situation is stabilized.

Source-Medindia