Specialists warn of lethal incurable virus that leaves sufferers ‘ghost-like’
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of a lethal virus after two separate outbreaks have been reported this 12 months.
Between February and May, there have been 25 laboratory-confirmed circumstances of the Marburg virus, of which 17 sufferers died.
From the identical household because the virus that causes Ebola, illness from the Marburg virus causes a haemorrhagic fever, which may embody bleeding from the nostril and gums.
Gruesome signs of the illness are additionally famous to go away sufferers with a “ghost-like” look.
The WHO says the most recent outbreaks have been recorded in Equatorial Guinea between February and May, and the United Republic of Tanzania in March and April.
It states it should proceed to observe the scenario.
“Health authorities in both countries have shown strong political commitment,” the WHO says.
“In recent weeks they have further strengthened critical response functions, such as disease surveillance, including at points of entry; laboratory activities; clinical case management; infection prevention and control; risk communication and community engagement; and operations support and logistics with support of WHO and partners.
“WHO continues to monitor the situation in these two countries closely and to support the responses.”
The Marburg virus can have an effect on people and non-human primates.
They could be contaminated from extended publicity to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies.
It can unfold from human to human by way of direct contact, damaged pores and skin or mucous membranes, with the blood, secretions, organs or different bodily fluids of contaminated folks, and with surfaces and supplies (corresponding to bedding or clothes) contaminated with these fluids.
Symptoms of Marburg virus illness
The illness will come on “abruptly”.
Initial signs embody:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Severe malaise
- Muscle aches and pains
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal ache and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting.
The WHO says: “Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise.
“Muscle aches and pains are a common feature. Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting can begin on the third day.
“Diarrhoea can persist for a week. The appearance of patients at this phase has been described as showing ‘ghost-like’ drawn features, deep-set eyes, expressionless faces and extreme lethargy.
“A non-itchy rash has been noted between two and seven days after the onset of symptoms.”
“Most” sufferers will then expertise “severe haemorrhagic manifestations” inside seven days.
This can embody discovering blood in poo and vomit, in addition to bleeding from the gums, nostril and vagina.
“In fatal cases, death usually occurs between eight and nine days after onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock,” the WHO provides.
There is not any treatment at present for Marburg virus illness however there are remedies accessible together with blood, immune and drug therapies.