Marburg Virus (MBG)
Incubation: incubation time whenever it could be determined was on
average 8 days. 5 days have been the reported shortest and 9 days is the
reported longest.
Epidemiology: infection occurs via contact by bodily fluids. For
epidemiological history, see filovirus
Introduction.
Symptomatology & Outcome: Sudden onset of fever and headache
accompanied by vomiting, non-bloody diarrhea. Enanthema,
drowsiness, conjunctivitis, myalgia, lymphadenopathy are also seen.
Recorded fatality rates are much lower (23% in 1967 outbreak in
Germany, Yugoslavia).
Pathology & Pathogenesis: unknown
Prevention and Management: No specific therapy is available for
filoviral infections. The lower case fatality of Marburg results from the
aggressive medical management employed during outbreak.
Specifically, transfusions of whole blood and replacement of
coagulation factors were completed. Prevention includes the use of
disposable syringes; however, these should only be used if they can be
properly disposed of as well. In addition education to increase
physician awareness of viral hemorrhagic fevers and to raise the
standard for barrier nursing are also effective means of prevention.
For additional information, please see Filovirus
Update 2000.
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Last modified: Mon Mar 6 01:31:12 PST 2000