Guinea’s health service monitors 155 people who came into contact with a man who died after being infected with the Marburg virus. The group was isolated for three weeks. So far, no other outbreaks of the disease have been reported.
- The Marburg virus was discovered in 1967 by researchers in Germany and Serbia
- It is deadly. Kills up to 90 percent. infected
- Medicine does not know a cure or vaccine for this disease
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The actions of the Guinean government are an effect of detection the first case of Marburg virus in West Africa. There are no other cases or outbreaks as of yet, but the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that further cases could occur in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
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Marburg virus – what is it exactly?
Marburg is one of the most dangerous pathogens known, killing between half and 90 percent. all infected. In 1967, it was detected during two epidemics that occurred simultaneously in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia. The epidemic was related to laboratory work on African monkeys imported from Uganda.
The virus is transmitted by fruit bats, but it can spread between humans through blood and body fluids, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. You can buy an antibacterial and antiviral disinfectant at Medonet Market.
According to WHO infected patients may resemble ghosts with deep-set eyes and expressionless faces. Other symptoms include headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. After five days, many patients begin to bleed under the skin, in internal organs, or from openings such as the mouth, eyes, and ears. Patients often die from failure of the nervous system.
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The man who died of the Marburg virus has long complained of all the symptoms of the disease in the book. The Guinean man was under medical care and received antibiotics, but died. Two independent laboratories have confirmed that the cause was a killer virus.
Marburg virus: 155 people in quarantine
Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo, the head of WHO in Guinea, said the virus was circulating among animals, especially bats, in southern Guinea and neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia. Pathogens tend to spread from animals to humans in this region due to their close interactions, especially when hunting and eating unexplored meat.
– We decided to supervise 155 people, even though there are no further cases so far. They are in isolation for three weeks. We contact them every day to check for possible symptoms, explains Dr. Ki-Zerbo.
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It is worth recalling that the Marburg virus and Ebola are closely related. It was only two months ago that Guinea overcame the epidemic of the second of these diseases. After a two-year struggle, Dr Ki-Zerbo said Guinea was getting better equipped to deal with epidemics. The discovery of the Marburg virus case also showed a better ability to detect such infections.
There is currently no vaccine or drug specifically targeting the Marburg virus. Only supportive care is available, says Ki-Zerbo.
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