Sri Krishna
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has advised residents who have recently traveled to two countries where Marburg virus disease cases have been reported to isolate themselves upon their return to the country. Mohap has recommended that these travelers seek medical attention at the nearest health facility or emergency department within a hospital.
In a statement, the Mohap advised individuals who have traveled to the affected areas to inform medical staff that they have been to an area where Marburg virus disease is spreading or have had contact with infected individuals.
Several Arab countries, including the UAE, have advised their citizens against traveling to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea due to the Marburg virus outbreak. The two countries have reported 14 deaths from the virus to date. The UAE’s health ministry issued an advisory on Tuesday urging the public to avoid traveling to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea “unless it is necessary.”
About Marburg Virus
The Marburg virus is a highly infectious and deadly virus that belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats or via direct contact with bodily fluids or tissues of infected animals, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, or fruit bats. The virus causes severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and bleeding from body openings such as the eyes, ears, and nose. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for the Marburg virus. The virus was first identified in 1967 during an outbreak in Marburg, Germany, and since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in African countries.
symptoms of Marburg Virus
it should be noted that while the Marburg virus is indeed a zoonotic RNA virus that is transmitted from animals to humans, it is typically transmitted via direct contact with bodily fluids or tissues of infected animals, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, or fruit bats, and not just in closed environments such as mines or caves. Additionally, Marburg virus disease is not always associated with such environments, as the virus can also be transmitted between humans, although this is less common. Nonetheless, it is accurate to state that Marburg virus disease is a rare but highly dangerous and life-threatening hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus.
The Marburg virus disease is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, myalgia, chest pain, and a sore throat. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen and additional serious health complications may arise, such as jaundice, severe weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding from the gums, nose, and rectum, and in some cases, a rash. These symptoms can lead to organ failure and shock, which can be fatal, underscoring the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if you suspect you may have been exposed to the Marburg virus or are experiencing any of these symptoms.
