The Marburg virus is still in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola and its symptoms are almost the same as dengue fever. Even though it doesn't exist in Indonesia yet, this disease must still be watched out for because it can cause death.
As the name implies, the Marburg virus was first discovered in the city of Marburg, Germany, in 1967. However, this virus has spread to several areas on the African continent, including Guinea, Angola, Congo and Uganda.
Marburg Virus, Get to Know the Symptoms and Ways of Transmission
Not only in Africa, cases of Marburg virus disease have also been found on other continents, such as America and Europe. After being under control for a long time, in early 2023, another outbreak of Marburg virus disease was reported in Guinea, West Africa.
Transmission of the Marburg virus can occur through animal intermediaries or between humans. People at high risk of contracting Marburg virus are family members or medical workers who care for people with the disease without implementing strict infection prevention and control protocols.
The risk of developing Marburg virus disease is also increased in people who have traveled to areas with high cases of Marburg disease or have had contact with bats in endemic countries.
Transmission of the Marburg Virus in the World
Initially, Marburg virus disease occurred in humans due to exposure to fluids from infected bats repeatedly or for a long time.
Marburg virus is spread from animals to humans and humans to humans through contact with blood and other infected body fluids, such as:
- Saliva
- Sweat
- Vomit marks
- ASI
- Sperm
- Feces
- Urine
Marburg virus can enter through broken skin, eyes, nose or mouth. In addition, this virus can also be spread through surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.
In fact, transmission of the Marburg virus is not only from humans who are still alive, but also those who have died. Infected people can still transmit the Marburg virus as long as their blood contains the virus.
Until now, Marburg virus infection in Indonesia and surrounding countries has not been detected. However, it doesn't hurt to first identify the signs and how to prevent the disease.
Recognize the Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease
Symptoms of Marburg virus disease generally appear around 2-21 days after a person is exposed to the Marburg virus. The following are some of the early symptoms that generally appear:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Feeling unwell
- Muscle ache
After the initial symptoms appear, usually on the 3rd day, people infected with the Marburg virus can experience symptoms in the form of:
- Long lasting diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Redness of the skin that doesn't itch
- Sunken eyes
- Very weak body
- Nervous
Severe symptoms are generally seen on the 5th and 7th day. In this phase, people infected with the Marburg virus may experience bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or heavy menstruation. In addition, blood can also be seen in vomit or stool.
Marburg virus disease is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially if the symptoms include severe dehydration, persistent bleeding, and shock that are not treated properly.
To date, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. In the meantime, the drugs given aim to relieve the symptoms, such as ORS fluids to prevent dehydration due to repeated vomiting and diarrhea or intravenous fluids.
As an effort to anticipate, there are several ways to prevent transmission of Marburg virus disease, namely:
- Avoid coming into contact with the body or fluids from the bat.
- Do not eat bat meat, especially in areas with cases of the Marburg virus.
- Avoid contact with people suspected of or infected with the Marburg virus.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially when you want to touch your face, after urinating or defecating, and before eating.
- If possible, postpone travel to areas where there is an outbreak.
It's true that the Marburg virus hasn't been proven to exist in Indonesia, but that doesn't mean we have to take health lightly. Continue to take care of your health so that you are always protected from various diseases. If you are still confused and have questions about the Marburg virus, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.