Marburg virus is a rare but severe infection that can cause high fever, muscle pain, and, in some cases, bleeding in different areas of the body. It is most often linked to regions where Rousettus bats live, but it can spread easily between people through contact with contaminated body fluids.
Symptoms of Marburg virus usually appear within a few days to weeks, progressing quickly and sometimes leading to intense hemorrhaging. Because these symptoms can resemble conditions like typhoid or malaria, confirming the infection typically requires blood tests that detect specific antibodies or antigens.
There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus, but care often includes rest, hydration, and medications to relieve symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. Early diagnosis, isolation, and monitoring are important to help reduce complications and prevent further transmission.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of Marburg virus are:
- High-grade fever, above 100.4ºF (or 38º C)
- Intense headache
- Muscular pain
- General malaise
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion, aggression or easily irritability
- Extreme fatigue
Symptoms can emerge 2 to 22 days after initial contact with the virus. Symptoms evolve fairly quickly, and intense hemorrhaging can be noted to many areas of the body when it happens.
As a result of extreme blood loss, a Marburg virus infection is considered to be fatal. Many patients can die within 8 to 9 days of the first symptoms if the infection is left untreated.
Confirming a diagnosis
Symptoms of Marburg virus are similar to other infectious diseases, like typhoid, malaria and hemorrhagic illnesses. Therefore, the best way to confirm infection is through bloodwork that tests Marburg antibodies or antigens in the blood.
How it is transmitted
Originally, the Marburg virus was spread to humans after exposure to environments inhabited by Rousettus species bats. However, once a person becomes infected, they are able to contaminate another person through direct contact of infected bodily fluids, like saliva or blood.
Therefore, it is very important for infected patients to remain isolated and to avoid public areas. Patients should wear a mask and wash their hands frequently to prevent contaminating surfaces as well.
Transmission is possible as long as the virus is circulating in the blood. Therefore, it is important to take precautions even after treatment has completed, until bloodwork confirms the person is no longer infected.
How it is treated
There is no specific treament for Marburg virus. Patients are often prescribed rest and fluids (either oral or IV), as well as medications to address specific symptoms, like fever and muscle aches.