Ethiopia has confirmed that the Marburg virus has killed three people. Health officials claim to have already isolated over 100 people who were in contact with those who are now deceased from the horrific hemorrhagic disease.
Marburg is a serious, highly contagious disease caused by the Marburg virus. Up to 90% of people infected with the virus will die without treatment. Chances of survival improve when treatment is given early, accoridng to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
Health Minister Mekdes Daba announced the deaths on Monday, three days after the government officially declared an outbreak in the Omo region bordering South Sudan.
Laboratory tests have confirmed the three deaths from the Ebola-like pathogen, while another three deaths showing symptoms of the disease are under investigation, the minister said in a statement reported by state broadcaster EBC, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Urgent containment measures have begun in the area while Ethiopia monitors the contacts of the deceased. Daba said that work is progressing to bring the outbreak under control quickly through a coordinated national response. The government has activated emergency response centers at multiple levels and deployed rapid response teams to affected areas, she said.
The virus spreads when a person is in contact with the body fluids of someone who is sick with or has died from Marburg.
Initial signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Red eyes
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
If the infection persists, additional and more severe symptoms emerge, such as:
- Vomit
- Bloody nose or gums
- Bloody vomit
- Bloody Diarrhea
Ethiopian health officials said that they detected the virus on Wednesday of last week. They discovered it in the Jinka area after receiving alerts about a suspected hemorrhagic illness. Officials tested 17 individuals, identifying at least nine infections before confirming the initial deaths.
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Without swift containment, this disease will spread rapidly, killing a majority of those who become infected.
Treatment can be successful, but it is primarily supportive and focuses on managing symptoms and complications to improve survival chances. This includes maintaining hydration through oral or intravenous fluids, balancing electrolytes, managing oxygen levels, and treating secondary infections with appropriate antibiotics or antifungals. Blood transfusions may be necessary to replace lost blood, while other medications are used to combat pain and nausea.
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