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While not as well known as the Ebola viruses, Marburg was the first of the filovirus family of hemorrhagic diseases to be recognized. Normally only found in parts of eastern and central Africa, Marburg – surprisingly - was first detected in Germany in the late 1960s.
In 1967, several workers involved with Polio research at a laboratory in Marburg, Germany fell ill with an unknown illness. What began with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea progressed rapidly to internal bleeding, shock, and for 7 of the 31 victims, death.An investigation identified the source of the virus: Green monkeys imported from Uganda for research, and in time, the virus was isolated.This lead to the creation of a new virus family; the Filoviridae, of which Marburg and the five Ebola viruses are the principal members.
Over the past five decades Marburg outbreaks have has only appeared sporadically. In South Africa in 1975 (3 cases), Kenya in 1980 (2 cases) and again in 1987 (1 case), and in a pair of laboratory accidents in the Soviet Union in 1988 and 1990.
Between 1998 and 2000 more than 150 cases were recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a second marburgvirus (RAVV) was identified. In 2004-2005, the largest known outbreak occurred in Angola, where 90% of the 252 cases died (see the CDC’s MMWR report from 2005).
Over the past five years Uganda has reported two outbreaks; in October of 2012 (see Here) and again in October of 2014 (see Here).
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| Credit CDC |
Like with Ebola viruses, bats are believed to be the reservoir host for Marburg, although it isn't known what other hosts might carry the virus. Human infection is often attributed to the consumption of bush meat.
Yesterday Uganda's Virus Research Institute posted the following statement on their Facebook page.
Uganda Virus Research Institute added 3 new photos.
Yesterday at 6:19am ·
UVRI confirms cases of the deadly Marburg virus in Kween District in Eastern Uganda.
Uganda Virus Research Institute has confirmed cases of the deadly Marburg virus in Kween District on the western slopes of Mt. Elgon in Eastern Uganda. Two people have died from the deadly hemorrhagic fever.
The Ministry of health is sending an emergency response team to the district.
The public is urged to be vigilant and report suspected cases.
Symptoms of the marburg virus include Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea (may be bloody), Red eyes, Raised rash, Chest pain and cough, Sore throat, Stomach pain, Severe weight loss among others.
This morning a number of news agencies have published the story, although the details (whether one or two cases have died) differ. Typical is this from the Ugandan.
Deadly Marburg virus kills two in Kween district, govt confirms
The Ministry of health has sent a team of epidemiologists to Kween district, following the confirmation of an outbreak of the deadly Marburg haemorrhagic fever, which has so far claimed the lives of two people.
The team led by the Director General of Health Services is in Kween district to sensitise residents about the disease, and prevent further spread.
Yesterday, the Ministry confirmed that two people who died early this week, had succumbed to the Marburg haemorrhagic fever.
The deceased were admitted at Kaproron Health Centre Four between September and October.
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a highly contagious and severe illness that affects both humans and non-human primates
Despite all of these reports, Uganda's Ministry of Health website has yet to post anything on these cases.
