Marburg virus cases confirmed in Ghana following deaths of two men

People who are infected with the Marburg virus usually die on day eight or nine after suffering from considerable blood loss. Drugs and immunological treatments are being researched, but no vaccination has been created.

In Ghana, two instances of the deadly and extremely contagious Marburg virus have been confirmed.

According to the country’s health authority, a lab received positive findings from two males, aged 26 and 51, who died last month.

Authorities are isolating the deceased’s contacts, and so far no one has exhibited symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease has a 50% fatality rate in people and produces severe viral haemorrhagic fever.

Fruit bats carry it to humans by bodily fluids and contact with things such as beds and clothing.

“(Ghanaian) health authorities have moved quickly, getting a head start on planning for a probable outbreak,” said WHO Africa chief Matshidiso Moeti.

“This is good because Marburg can easily spiral out of control if immediate and decisive action is not taken.”

Marburg virus symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and muscle aches and pains.

According to the WHO, “severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and cramps, nausea and vomiting may occur on the third day,” followed by “severe haemorrhagic symptoms” between days five and seven, which may include bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina.

Death usually occurs on day eight or nine after symptoms, as a result of massive blood loss and shock.

Drugs and immunological therapy to treat Marburg are being researched, but there is no vaccination at this time, albeit early rehydration and treatment of symptoms can increase survival prospects.

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