Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1 What is Marburg virus?
- Marburg is a hemorrhagic fever disease caused by Marburg virus.
- It starts as a febrile illness but can affect different parts of the body.
2 How does Marburg virus transmit to human?
- Fruits bats are the natural host of the virus which then can be acquired by human different ways:
- By direct contact with fruit bats or their body execrations in caves and mines.By handling infected animals, like monkeys, apes and lemurs.
- Human to human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucus membranes) with the blood secretions, or other body fluids of affected people.
3 What are the symptoms of Marburg disease?
- Marburg disease starts as a febrile illness with high fever, headache and gastrointestinal disturbances like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. After 5 days of the symptoms patients might develop a red rash on the chest or back. At day-7 the disease becomes severe with possible changes in mental status and blood pressure, bleeding might occur from any part of the body.
4 How can I prevent myself from getting Marburg disease?
- We advise you to avoid travelling to countries with Marburg virus disease outbreak.
- It is advised to avoid contact with fruit bats and sick primates.
- Avoid direct contact with patients suspected to have symptoms of Marburg disease without gloves and appropriate protection.
- Practice regular handwashing. Use alcohol-based hand rub if at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
5 Is there a vaccine against Marburg virus?
- At the moment there is no approved vaccines against Marburg virus in the market yet.
6 What is the treatment?
- No antiviral is currently available to treat Marburg virus disease.
7 Available Awareness Materials:
- For Marburg Booklet For Crew …Click Here
- For Marburg Booklet For Travelers …Click Here