Marburg Virus Disease: Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention

Introduction: Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic illness caused by viruses belonging to the family Filoviridae, the same family that includes Ebola viruses.

Key pointers

  • Causative agent: Marburg virus and Ravn virus.

  • Virus family: Filoviridae.

  • Natural reservoir: Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) are recognised natural hosts.

  • Transmission: Human infection may occur through exposure to infected bats, infected people, bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

  • Incubation period: Generally 2–21 days.

  • Symptoms: Fever, severe headache, muscle pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and, in severe cases, bleeding and shock.

  • Disease severity: Can cause severe systemic illness and death.

  • Treatment: Clinical management focuses on supportive care, fluid and electrolyte management, and treatment of complications.

  • Prevention: Infection-control precautions, safe burial practices, protective equipment and avoidance of contact with infected bodily fluids.

  • Public-health importance: Outbreaks require rapid detection, isolation, contact tracing and infection prevention.

UPSC focus: Marburg and Ebola are distinct viruses within the same family. Marburg virus disease is not spread through ordinary casual contact without the relevant exposure pathway.