Can Marburg Virus Kill You – Is Marburg Virus Contagious?
Infection with Marburg and Ebola viruses cause haemorrhagic fevers that are characterized by organ malfunction, bleeding complications, and high mortality. Take care and protect yourself.
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever which affects both people and non-human primates. MVD is caused by the Marburg virus, a genetically unique zoonotic (or, animal-borne) RNA virus of the filovirus family. The six species of Ebola virus are the only other known members of the filovirus family.
Marburg virus was first recognized in 1967, when outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever occurred simultaneously in laboratories in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany and in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). Thirty-one people became ill, initially laboratory workers followed by several medical personnel and family members who had cared for them.
Seven deaths were reported. The first people infected had been exposed to Ugandan imported African green monkeys or their tissues while conducting research. One additional case was diagnosed retrospective.
The virus is not known to be native to other continents, such as North America. MVD typically appears in sporadic outbreaks throughout Africa. Laboratory confirmed cases in people have been reported in Uganda, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Angola, and South Africa.
Through the above information will show how is Marburg virus contagious and what are the best food for Marburg virus by which people are supposed to eat to increase the immunity of their body.
How Does Marburg Virus Spread – Is Marburg Virus Contagious?
It is unknown how Marburg virus first spreads from its animal host to people; however, for the 2 cases in tourists visiting Uganda in 2008, unprotected contact with infected bat feces or aerosols are the most likely routes of infection.
After this initial crossover of virus from host animal to people, transmission occurs through person-to-person contact. The virus spreads through direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with:
- Blood or body fluids* (urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, and semen) of a person who is sick with or died from Marburg virus disease, or
- Objects contaminated with body fluids from a person who is sick with or has died from Marburg virus disease (such as clothes, bedding, needles, and medical equipment).
- Semen from a man who recovered from MVD (through oral, vaginal, or anal sex). The virus can remain in certain body fluids (including semen) of a patient who has recovered from MVD, even if they no longer have symptoms of severe illness.
- There is no evidence that Marburg virus can spread through sex or other contact with vaginal fluids from a woman who has had MVD.
Spread of the virus between people has occurred in close environments and among direct contacts. A common example is through caregivers in the home or in a hospital (nosocomial transmission).
In previous outbreaks, people who have handled infected non-human primates or have come in direct contact with their body fluids have become infected with Marburg virus. Laboratory exposures can also occur when lab staff handle live Marburg virus.
Marburg Virus Symptoms
After an incubation period of 2-21 days, symptom onset is sudden and marked by fever, chills, headache, and myalgia. Around the fifth day after the onset of symptoms,
- A maculopapular rash,
- Most prominent on the trunk (chest, back, stomach), may occur.
- Nausea,
- vomiting,
- chest pain,
- a sore throat
- abdominal pain, and
- Diarrhea may appear.
Symptoms become increasingly severe and can include jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging, and multi-organ dysfunction.
Marburg Virus Prevention
There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease. Supportive hospital therapy should be utilized, which includes balancing the patient’s fluids and electrolytes, maintaining oxygen status and blood pressure, replacing lost blood and clotting factors, and treatment for any complicating infections.
Marburg Virus Treatment
Measures for prevention of secondary, or person-to-person, transmission are like those used for other hemorrhagic fevers. If a patient is either suspected or confirmed to have Marburg virus disease (MVD), infection prevention and control measures should be used to prevent direct physical contact with the patient.
These precautions include wearing protective gowns, gloves, and masks; placing the infected individual in strict isolation; and sterilization or proper disposal of needles, equipment, and patient excretions.
Marburg virus is a very rare disease in people. However, when it occurs, it has the potential to spread to other people, especially healthcare staff and family members who care for the patient. Increasing awareness in communities and among healthcare providers of the clinical symptoms of patients with MVD is critical.
Better awareness can lead to earlier and stronger precautions against the spread of Marburg virus in both family members and health-care providers.
Improving the use of diagnostic tools is another priority. With modern means of transportation giving access even to remote areas, it is possible to obtain rapid testing of samples in disease control centers equipped with Biosafety Level 4 laboratories (laboratories equipped with the highest level of biosafety precautions) to confirm or rule out Marburg virus infection.
So there is no direct Marburg Virus Treatment and people should try to take precautions as much as possible.
Best Foods For Marburg Virus
Food which are rich in Vitamin C and zinc should be given much to the patient and normal people to increase their immunity.
- Cassava leaves
- Amla juice
- Guava
- Lemon
- Cashew apple juice
- Cashew fruits
- Pawpaw
- Orange
- Spinach
- Green capsicum
These are among of the food which contain vitamin C to increase the immunity so include the foods for Marburg virus in order to withstand the disease.
After reading the article provide on the the information on is Marburg virus contagious how does marburg virus spread, Marburg virus symptoms, Marburg virus prevention, Marburg virus treatment through this you can protect yourself.
Healthy and balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support the immune system. Some specific nutrients that are important for immune function include:
- Vitamin A: found in sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, and red bell peppers
- Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, spinach, and bell peppers
- Vitamin E: found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils
- Zinc: found in shellfish, beef, pork, and fortified cereals
In addition to eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can also support the immune system. It’s also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
