MARBURG VIRUS

Marburg Virus is a haemorrhagic fever of African origin which causes high fever, bleeding and organ failure. Mortality after infection is said, by some, to be over 90%.

Marburg is extremely similar to its more famous cousin the Ebola Virus. In fact, both viruses are structurally identical. It is because they produce different antibodies that they are classified as seperate diseases.

The Marburg virus is named after Marburg Germany where the disease was first documented in 1967. The virus was traced back to lab monkeys.

The disease is indigenous to Africa where, it is believed, a natural reservoir of fruit bats stores the virus during times of dormancy.

There is no treatment for Marburg virus. No antivirals have been proved to slow its progress. Victims are treated with supportive medications and fluids.

This disease is passed via body fluids including blood, excrement, saliva and vomit.

Symptoms are flu-like at onset, but quickly proceed to rash, haemorrhaging, hypovolemic shock and multiple organ failure.

This is a very harsh sick.

So, this ailment rates a
10 on my "lethality scale" (1-10)
and a 10 on my "disturbing scale" (1-10)