Why in the news?

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) said that Ethiopia has reported its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease.

Marburg Virus Disease

  • What is it?: A severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Marburg virus
  • Natural Reserve: Egyptian fruit bats
  • Initial Finding: First detected in 1967 during outbreaks in Marburg & Frankfurt (Germany) and Belgrade (Serbia).
  • Symptoms
    • Incubation: 2–21 days.
    • Sudden onset: high fever, chills, severe headache, myalgia.
    • Progression: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
    • Advanced stage: hemorrhages, multi-organ dysfunction, shock.
  • Transmission
    • Animal to Human
      • Exposure to infected fruit bats in caves/mines.
      • Handling of infected non-human primates.
    • Human to Human
      • Direct contact with blood, secretions, organs of infected persons.
      • Contaminated surfaces or materials (bedding, clothing).
      • Traditional burial rituals.
  • Diagnosis: RT-PCR, ELISA antigen tests.
  • Treatment
    • No approved antiviral or vaccine yet (as of 2025).
    • Management is supportive: rehydration, electrolyte balance, oxygen therapy.