Marburg Virus

Definition

The Marburg virus is a highly infectious and deadly virus that causes a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. It is a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Ebola virus. The Marburg virus is considered a significant public health concern due to its high mortality rate and potential for rapid transmission.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 after outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia).
2. The natural reservoir for the Marburg virus is believed to be fruit bats, which can transmit the virus to humans through direct contact or exposure to their bodily fluids.
3. Marburg virus disease has an average case fatality rate of around 50%, but can reach up to 88% in some outbreaks.
4. Symptoms of Marburg virus disease typically appear 5-10 days after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
5. There is no licensed vaccine for the Marburg virus, and treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and complications.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Marburg virus is classified and its relationship to other filoviruses.
  • The Marburg virus is classified as a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Ebola virus. Filoviruses are a group of single-stranded, negative-sense RNA viruses that cause severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fevers in humans and other primates. The Marburg virus and Ebola virus share similar characteristics, such as their ability to cause rapid and severe illness, high mortality rates, and potential for person-to-person transmission. Understanding the classification and relationship of the Marburg virus to other filoviruses is crucial for recognizing its potential public health impact and developing effective prevention and control measures.
• Describe the natural reservoir and transmission routes of the Marburg virus.
  • The natural reservoir for the Marburg virus is believed to be fruit bats, which can transmit the virus to humans through direct contact or exposure to their bodily fluids. Humans can then become infected with the Marburg virus through various transmission routes, such as direct contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, handling of infected animals or their remains, and exposure to contaminated environments. The ability of the Marburg virus to be transmitted from animals to humans and then spread person-to-person makes it a significant public health concern, as it can lead to rapid and widespread outbreaks if not quickly contained.
• Evaluate the potential impact of the Marburg virus on public health and the challenges associated with its prevention and control.
  • The Marburg virus poses a significant threat to public health due to its high mortality rate, which can reach up to 88% in some outbreaks, and its potential for rapid transmission. The lack of a licensed vaccine and the reliance on supportive care as the primary treatment approach make it particularly challenging to prevent and control the spread of the Marburg virus. Additionally, the virus's ability to be transmitted from animals to humans, as well as person-to-person, increases the risk of outbreaks and the need for comprehensive surveillance, early detection, and effective containment measures. Addressing the public health impact of the Marburg virus requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening global health systems, improving access to diagnostic tools and personal protective equipment, and investing in research and development for vaccines and treatments.

Related terms

Filovirus: Filoviruses are a family of single-stranded, negative-sense RNA viruses that cause severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fevers in humans and other primates.

Hemorrhagic Fever: Hemorrhagic fevers are a group of viral diseases characterized by fever and bleeding, often leading to organ failure and shock.

Zoonotic Disease: Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, often through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids.