Fact Sheets

Marburg Virus

WHAT IS IT?

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

Marburg virus, which is related to Ebola, is an animal-originating virus that has been transmitted to humans who have close contact with infectious fruit bats, the natural host. Cases have also occurred in and been transmitted from primates or people who are sick via contact with their body fluids. Sporadic cases have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa including outbreaks in early 2023 in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea. Marburg causes a range of symptoms (below) that can progress to massive hemorrhaging, multi- organ failure and death.

• The case fatality rate can be as high as 90% and averages about 50%.

• There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease beyond supportive hospital therapy. With such treatment, the case fatality rate can be dramatically lowered.

• The virus can persist in fluids even after recovery with continuing potential for transmission.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Sudden onset fever, chills, headache,
and muscle pain

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WHAT DO I DO ABOUT IT?

1. Proper infection prevention and control measures are essential. These include :

       • Use of proper protective equipment.

       • Hand hygiene.

       • Avoiding contact with body fluids as well as items that have come in contact with them (such as clothes, needles, and medical equipment from people who are sick).

2. Avoid contact with fruit bats and the areas they may inhabit including mines or caves.

3. Recognize that certain occupations, such as veterinarians and laboratory or quarantine facility workers who handle non-human primates from Africa may be at higher risk.

TAG Public Health Experts have the experience and expertise to help companies and institutions successfully integrate science-driven public health approaches into their business strategy.

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