Warning Signs Of Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever

Marburg hemorrhagic fever, also known as the Marburg virus, was first identified in 1967. Related to the Ebola virus, it affects both humans and non-human primates and is caused by an animal-borne RNA virus belonging to the filovirus family. The primary host of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat. While the exact manner of transmission to humans remains unknown, scientists note in previous outbreaks of the virus, infected individuals had handled non-human primates, cell cultures, or fluids that were also infected. To diagnose Marburg hemorrhagic fever, antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction testing can be performed, and the results are normally available in a few days. Since the symptoms of Marburg hemorrhagic fever are very similar to malaria and other less serious illnesses, it can be very easy to misdiagnose this condition.

Outbreaks of Marburg hemorrhagic fever are very rare, and some of the most recent cases were documented in 2008 in two tourists who had recently visited African caves. A 2017 outbreak occurred in Uganda and was successfully contained. Thus, many healthcare providers have never encountered this virus. As with Ebola, Marburg hemorrhagic fever currently has no recognized treatments for humans. Although some patients have survived, the mortality rate associated with this virus can be as high as ninety percent. Hospital treatments focus on balancing electrolytes, maintaining blood pressure, replacing lost blood, and treating any secondary infections. Due to the highly contagious nature of this illness, patients must be treated in isolation units, and hospital staff are required to wear several types of protective equipment. Experimental treatments have worked in non-human primates, but they have not yet been tried in humans.

The major symptoms associated with Marburg hemorrhagic fever are outlined below.

Myalgia

Myalgia (muscle pain) is one of the first symptoms of Marburg hemorrhagic fever. It typically begins within five to ten days of infection, and it can result in muscle cramps, joint pain, and limited range of motion. Myalgia can impact tendons, ligaments, and the fascia, a layer of tissue that connects muscles with bones and organs. For patients with Marburg hemorrhagic fever, myalgia is often accompanied by generalized weakness throughout the body. The muscle pain and weakness make it difficult for the patient to stand or sit, and most patients will become bedridden within a short period. Muscle pain may be treated in the hospital with intravenous pain relievers to keep the patient comfortable, and the patient will be turned every few hours in their hospital bed to help maintain their comfort and prevent the formation of bed sores.

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