Marburg Virus Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Mithil B Ghushe , General Medicine

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Marburg virus disease is a rare and very serious illness caused by the Marburg virus. It's similar to the Ebola virus and can lead to sudden bleeding, fever, and organ failure. It spreads quickly and needs urgent medical attention.

The disease usually starts with common symptoms like a fever, headache, or feeling very tired. But it can become serious within a few days. It's not something you can treat at home; it needs hospital care.

Marburg virus spreads through contact with the bodily fluids (blood, sweat, vomit, urine) of an infected person or animal. Bats are known to carry the virus, and outbreaks usually start when people come into close contact with them in caves or forests.

Key facts:

If you've travelled to places with known outbreaks and feel unwell, it's important to tell a doctor right away. Quick medical help can save lives.

Where Have Marburg Virus Outbreaks Happened?

Marburg virus outbreaks are rare, but when they happen, they can be deadly. Most outbreaks have taken place in parts of Africa where people live near caves or forests that house fruit bats, believed to be natural carriers of the virus.

The first known outbreak happened in 1967 in Germany and Serbia, when lab workers got infected after working with monkeys brought from Uganda. From then, most cases have been reported in African countries.

Major outbreak locations include:

Some outbreaks affected only a few people, while others involved dozens, with fatality rates sometimes reaching 80-90%. Quick isolation, tracking people in contact with the infected, and strong hospital support are key to controlling it.

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What are the Types of Marburg Virus Disease?

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) primarily refers to a single disease caused by the Marburg virus. However, the presentation and severity of MVD can vary, leading to different clinical forms:

Mild Form

Severe Hemorrhagic Form

Fulminant Form

Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing the disease effectively.

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What Are the Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease?

Marburg virus disease is a rare but serious illness caused by a virus from the same family as Ebola. It starts with mild flu-like signs but can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. The symptoms usually appear in two phases, an early phase and a later, more severe phase.

Phase 1: Early Symptoms (Days 2-7)

In the beginning, the MVD symptoms feel like a bad case of the flu. Many people don't realise how serious it is at first. This phase often starts suddenly and gets worse quickly.

Common symptoms during Phase 1 include:

At this stage, the virus is multiplying in the body. If you or someone you know shows these signs after travel to or contact with areas affected by Marburg, it's important to seek medical care immediately.

Phase 2: Advanced or Severe Symptoms (Days 5-10)

If not treated early, the disease can move into a more serious stage. This phase is dangerous and may affect multiple organs in the body. Medical help is critical at this point.

Symptoms during Phase 2 may include:

This stage can lead to life-threatening complications. Patients need to be cared for in isolation with strong medical support. The earlier the treatment starts, the better the chances of recovery.

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What Are the Causes of Marburg Virus Disease?

Marburg virus disease is caused by the Marburg virus, a rare but deadly virus that belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. The disease begins when a person comes into contact with the virus, often through infected animals or body fluids. It can spread quickly once it enters the human body, especially in areas with close contact or poor hygiene.

The original source of the Marburg virus is believed to be fruit bats, particularly a type found in parts of Africa. These bats carry the virus but don't get sick from it. When humans come into contact with bat droppings, saliva, or urine, they may get infected.

Main causes include:

Understanding how the virus starts is important to help stop outbreaks before they spread. People living or travelling in high-risk areas should take precautions when visiting caves, handling animals, or caring for sick individuals.

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How Does Marburg Virus Disease Spread?

Marburg virus spreads from one person to another through direct contact with bodily fluids. It doesn't spread through the air like a cold or flu.

Body fluids include:

This means you're more at risk if you touch things or even clothing and bedding used by someone who's infected.

It can be dangerous in places like hospitals or homes where proper hygiene isn't followed. Once someone is infected, they become contagious and can spread the virus to others, especially during the late stages of the illness when symptoms are worse.

The virus can spread through:

Health workers, family members, and caregivers are often at higher risk if they don't use proper protective gear. Good handwashing, safe burial practices, and protective equipment can help stop the virus from spreading during an outbreak.

Being careful and informed goes a long way in preventing the Marburg virus from spreading within communities.

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How Is Marburg Virus Disease Diagnosed?

Marburg virus disease is a serious and rare infection, so early and accurate diagnosis is very important. Since the symptoms, like fever, headache, and muscle pain, are similar to other illnesses like malaria or dengue, doctors need to run specific tests to confirm the Marburg virus.

If someone has been in an area where the virus is known to exist, or has had contact with a person showing symptoms, doctors will consider the Marburg virus as a possible cause. Diagnosis usually occurs in a specialised hospital or laboratory due to the contagious nature of the virus.

Doctors will begin by:

Because the virus spreads easily, doctors follow strict safety procedures when taking blood or other samples. These samples are then sent to a lab for testing.

What Tests or Kits Are Used to Detect Marburg Virus?

Diagnosing Marburg virus disease involves specialised lab tests because the virus is rare and dangerous. These tests are not done in regular clinics; they're only performed in high-security labs known as biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) facilities.

Doctors use blood or tissue samples to detect the virus. The main goal is to find signs of the virus itself or how the body is reacting to it.

Here are the common tests used:

These tests help doctors act fast to stop the virus from spreading and to start proper treatment quickly.

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How is Marburg Virus Disease Treated?

Marburg virus disease is a serious illness caused by a virus similar to Ebola. Right now, there's no specific medicine that cures it completely. But with early care and the right medical support, patients can recover. The main goal of treatment is to help the body stay strong while it fights the infection.

Treatment usually includes:

Doctors also provide nutritional support to help the body heal faster. Recovery depends on how early treatment begins and how the person's immune system responds.

While scientists are working on vaccines and antiviral drugs, the best chance for survival right now comes from early detection and quality hospital care.

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When to See a Doctor for Marburg Virus Disease?

Marburg virus disease is rare but very serious. If you've recently travelled to or been in contact with someone from a place where the Marburg virus is spreading, and you start feeling sick, it's important not to ignore the symptoms.

This illness can get worse very quickly, so getting medical help early can make a big difference.

See a doctor right away if you experience:

Don't wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. Let the doctor know your travel history and any possible exposure to infected people or animals.

Quick action can save your life and protect others around you.

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What Is the Recovery Process After Marburg Virus Disease Treatment?

Recovering from Marburg virus disease can take time, especially since it's a serious illness. After the infection is under control, patients often need support to regain their strength and return to daily life. The body may feel weak, and some symptoms, like fatigue or joint pain, can last for weeks or even months.

During recovery, doctors usually focus on:

Staying in touch with healthcare providers is important after discharge. Recovery is possible with proper care, support, and rest.

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How to Prevent Marburg Virus Disease and Its Complications?

Preventing the Marburg virus mainly involves avoiding direct contact with the virus and staying safe in areas where outbreaks happen. There is no vaccine yet, so being careful is key.

To help prevent infection:

Possible complications if not treated early include:

Taking precautions and seeking help early can reduce the chances of serious illness or long-term problems. Stay alert and follow safety advice if you live in or visit affected areas.

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Our Experience Treating Marburg Virus Disease

At Medicover, we understand how frightening and serious Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) can be. Though rare, it's a life-threatening illness, and our team is trained to act fast, with care and confidence. We approach each case with compassion and medical precision, making sure every patient feels safe and supported.

Here's what you can expect when you're in our care:

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