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Rachel V Thomas

Uganda On Alert Over Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak

Uganda on Alert Over Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak

Even as Uganda works to contain what is already the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record, centred in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the country is now facing the risk of the Marburg virus, another deadly filovirus disease.

Media reports have indicated a possible Marburg virus case in Uganda, although the country has not yet publicly declared an outbreak.

Uganda, however, formally reported a case of Marburg virus disease to the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 30, according to a STAT News report.

On June 29, the US Embassy in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, also issued a health alert regarding a possible case of Marburg virus disease in the country.

"The US Embassy is aware there are reports of a potential case of Marburg Virus Disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever, in western Uganda," the embassy said in its advisory.

The alert was issued as a Level 4 travel advisory, warning Americans not to travel to Uganda.

<h2>Dual Threat May Complicate Response</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/why-has-isa-asked-doctors-hospitals-to-stop-prescribing-themis-spinal-anaesthesia-article-154819123" data-type="tilCustomLink">WHO Issues First Clinical Care Guidelines On Ebola And Marburg Disease</a>

Uganda has extensive experience managing outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers. The country last reported a Marburg virus outbreak in 2017, when there were four cases and three deaths.

However, responding to a potential Marburg outbreak while simultaneously battling Ebola could complicate public health efforts.

Both <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-outbreak-the-unusual-symptoms-seen-in-patients-infected-with-bundibugyo-article-154757437" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola </a> and Marburg virus disease are viral hemorrhagic fevers caused by closely related filoviruses. So far, Uganda has reported a total of 20 cases of the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola, including two deaths. Of these, 15 cases were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/dangerous-heat-dome-to-grip-eastern-us-canada-putting-over-220-million-lives-at-risk-how-to-stay-safe-article-154814744" data-type="tilCustomLink">Dangerous Heat Dome To Grip Eastern US, Canada, Putting Over 220 Million Lives At Risk: How To Stay Safe</a>

Marburg virus disease belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and has a case fatality rate that has varied widely across outbreaks.

The virus is primarily carried by fruit bats and can spread to humans through prolonged exposure to infected bats or contaminated environments. Once a person is infected, the virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces and materials used by infected individuals.

Marburg virus disease typically begins with a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache and muscle pain. Other common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weakness.

In severe cases, patients may develop internal and external bleeding, organ failure and shock, which can be fatal.

There is currently no approved specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care significantly improves survival, and several vaccines, antiviral drugs and immune therapies are under development, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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According to the WHO, Marburg virus disease has killed between 24 per cent and 88 per cent of infected patients in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and the quality of medical care available.

The virus was first identified in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks occurred in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and Belgrade in present-day Serbia. A total of 31 people were infected and seven died.

The outbreaks were traced to African green monkeys imported from Uganda for laboratory research. Fruit bats are now recognized as the natural reservoir of the virus, although other animals can also become infected.

Past outbreaks have been reported in countries including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Outside Africa, only a handful of Marburg cases have been reported. Two fatal cases occurred in travelers who had visited bat-inhabited caves in Uganda—one in Europe and one in the United States.

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Even as Uganda works to contain what is already the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record, centred in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the country is now facing the risk of the Marburg virus, another deadly filovirus disease.Media reports have indicated a possible Marburg virus case in Uganda, although the country has not yet publicly declared an outbreak.Uganda Reports Case To WHOUganda, however, formally reported a case of Marburg virus disease to the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 30, according to a STAT News report.On June 29, the US Embassy in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, also issued a health alert regarding a possible case of Marburg virus disease in the country."The US Embassy is aware there are reports of a potential case of Marburg Virus Disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever, in western Uganda," the embassy said in its advisory.The alert was issued as a Level 4 travel advisory, warning Americans not to travel to Uganda.Dual Threat May Complicate ResponseAlso read: WHO Issues First Clinical Care Guidelines On Ebola And Marburg DiseaseUganda has extensive experience managing outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers. The country last reported a Marburg virus outbreak in 2017, when there were four cases and three deaths.However, responding to a potential Marburg outbreak while simultaneously battling Ebola could complicate public health efforts.Both Ebola  and Marburg virus disease are viral hemorrhagic fevers caused by closely related filoviruses. So far, Uganda has reported a total of 20 cases of the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola, including two deaths. Of these, 15 cases were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo.What Is Marburg Virus?Read More: Dangerous Heat Dome To Grip Eastern US, Canada, Putting Over 220 Million Lives At Risk: How To Stay SafeMarburg virus disease belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and has a case fatality rate that has varied widely across outbreaks.The virus is primarily carried by fruit bats and can spread to humans through prolonged exposure to infected bats or contaminated environments. Once a person is infected, the virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces and materials used by infected individuals.Common Signs And SymptomsMarburg virus disease typically begins with a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache and muscle pain. Other common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weakness.In severe cases, patients may develop internal and external bleeding, organ failure and shock, which can be fatal.There is currently no approved specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care significantly improves survival, and several vaccines, antiviral drugs and immune therapies are under development, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).   History Of Marburg VirusAccording to the WHO, Marburg virus disease has killed between 24 per cent and 88 per cent of infected patients in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and the quality of medical care available.The virus was first identified in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks occurred in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and Belgrade in present-day Serbia. A total of 31 people were infected and seven died.The outbreaks were traced to African green monkeys imported from Uganda for laboratory research. Fruit bats are now recognized as the natural reservoir of the virus, although other animals can also become infected.Past outbreaks have been reported in countries including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.Outside Africa, only a handful of Marburg cases have been reported. Two fatal cases occurred in travelers who had visited bat-inhabited caves in Uganda—one in Europe and one in the United States.

uganda on alert over suspected marburg virus outbreak

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