After just hitting the three year mark from when we were first exposed to Covid-19, the CDC is now warning us about another deadly disease, Marburg virus. On Thursday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory for doctors to watch out for this new virus.
In two African nations, Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, Marburg Virus has broken out. There are currently no cases in the United States and the risk for it entering our country is low at this time. However, health care providers are being told to stay alert for any imported cases. In an attempt to nip this in the bud before turning into another situation like we experienced with covid, the CDC has sent staff to Africa to help fight the outbreaks.
Doctors who suspect someone may have contracted Marburg virus should take a detailed travel history. The suspected infected patient should undergo isolation amid a negative test. The CDC says the local health department should be contacted immediately.
Although the virus is rare at this point, it is highly fatal. Similar to Ebola, it can cause uncontrollable bleeding. Marburg virus is not contagious until symptoms appear, which include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal issues, and unexplained bleeding.
The virus spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood and other body fluids. It can also spread through fluids from infected animals. Unlike Covid, Marburg does not spread through the air.
Since the discovery of Marburg virus is still very new, there is no vaccine or treatment yet. The CDC recommends anyone who comes in contact with an infected person receives early intensive supportive care, which can hopefully prevent people from getting severely ill or dying.
As the outbreak is currently only in those two African countries, the CDC warns travelers to avoid contact with sick people. They also recommend monitoring their health for three weeks after their trip. International airports are now flooded with notices reminding people to watch out for symptoms and see a doctor immediately if they start to feel sick.
