Marburg Virus Disease

(MARV), a highly pathogenic single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Filoviridae family, is the cause of Marburg virus disease. Marburg virus disease is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever with a high case-fatality rate (CFR), making it one of the most deadly pathogens. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the fatality rate is 88%. The WHO first identified MARV during an outbreak in 1967 in Germany and Serbia (then part of Yugoslavia). The source of Marburg virus disease was traced back to the importation of African green monkeys from Uganda, and therefore, Marburg virus disease was previously known as green monkey disease. Outbreaks have since been reported in Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, Angola, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, and Rwanda. The major animal reservoir was subsequently identified through epidemiological linkage as the fruit bat, . Transmission occurs via inhalation or direct contact with contaminated excreta from bats. Human-to-human transmission has been reported through direct contact with bodily fluids from sick patients, both in healthcare and household settings. Following the initial exposure, MARV enters the body, replicates, and disseminates, leading to a clinical syndrome characterized by fever, malaise, myalgia, and blood coagulation disorders. These symptoms progress to hemorrhagic shock and multiorgan failure. The CFR has been reported to be as high as 90%.  Currently, no vaccine or specific treatment is available for Marburg virus disease, although new treatments may be promising. Due to the severity of the disease and the high CFR, this is a global public threat. Therefore, early recognition and supportive care are essential as they can result in better patient outcomes. Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion to initiate treatment promptly and strive for optimal patient outcomes. Having processes in place to immediately implement infection control measures is crucial for protecting close contacts and minimizing the transmission of infections from sick patients. Global and national public health preparedness and prevention strategies are necessary to respond quickly, prevent and manage outbreaks, and limit their spread.