Marburg Virus Outbreak 2023

INTRODUCTION

There have been no known Marburg virus outbreaks as of February 2023. Future outbreaks are still a possibility, though, especially in nations where the virus is prevalent and in areas with poor infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

Global health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), are working to develop preparedness and response strategies to quickly detect and contain outbreaks in response to the ongoing threat of the Marburg virus and other emerging infectious diseases.

Additionally, studies are being conducted to comprehend the biology of the Marburg virus and provide better cures and vaccinations. In recent years, various novel therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and RNA-based medicines, have showed promise in animal tests.

A number of vaccine candidates are also being developed, some of which are currently going through clinical trials. These vaccinations are designed to trigger an immunological reaction to the virus, protecting against further infections.

A new Marburg virus vaccine candidate underwent a phase 1 clinical study there in 2021. The vaccine was created by a group of scientists at the University of Marburg and used a cutting-edge strategy that involves altering the virus' genetic makeup to stop it from spreading disease.

A phase 1 clinical trial for a different vaccine candidate, created by the pharmaceutical corporation Merck, is scheduled to begin soon after it displayed encouraging results in preclinical investigations.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which is still running strong, has brought to light the significance of pandemic preparedness and the demand for a coordinated international response to emerging infectious illnesses. Future efforts to prepare for and respond to the Marburg virus and other emerging illnesses may benefit from the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 response.

It is crucial to remember that even while the risk of the Marburg virus may appear low to some, outbreaks of this and other new diseases can have a big impact on both the world's health and economy. In order to prevent and lessen the effects of future outbreaks, it is essential to continue investing in research and preparedness activities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease in Equatorial Guinea saying that the Ebola-related virus is responsible for at least nine deaths in the tiny Western African country. In a statement on Monday, WHO confirmed the epidemic after samples from Equatorial Guinea were sent to a lab in Senegal.

How does Marburg disease spread?

Like Ebola, the Marburg virus originates in bats and spreads between people via close contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, or surfaces, like contaminated bed sheets.

Symptoms of Marburg disease

Marburg leads to symptoms like high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, severe malaise and pains. After two to three days, the infected individual may experience abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting and severe diarrhea. These symptoms are accompanied by extreme lethargy.

Between day 5th to 7th after getting infected, many patients develop severe hemorrhagic symptoms. According to WHO, fatal cases usually experience bleeding in some form or the other. Severe blood loss and shock lead to death 8 to 9 days after the onset of symptoms.

The incubation period for Marburg disease varies from 2 to 21 days.

Is there any vaccine to treat Marburg disease

There are no authorized vaccines or drugs to treat Marburg, but rehydration treatment to alleviate symptoms can improve the chances of survival.

When was Marburg virus first identified?

The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in Marburg, Germany and Belgrade, Serbia.

In a 2004 outbreak in Angola, Marburg killed 90% of 252 people infected. Last year, there were two reported Marburg deaths in Ghana.