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Overview of Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare viral disease that occurs primarily in countries in East and Central Africa. The virus has the potential to spread from person to person, especially among health-care staff and family members who care for patients with Marburg VHF. After an incubation period of 5-10 days, the disease usually presents with sudden fever, chills, and muscle aches. Around the fifth day after onset of symptoms, a skin rash can occur. Nausea, vomiting, chest pain, a sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may follow. Symptoms become increasingly severe and may include jaundice, severe weight loss, mental confusion, shock, and multi-organ failure. The virus is believed to be transmitted from an unknown animal host to humans. Humans can infect other humans through contact with blood or body fluids (e.g., saliva, urine). People who have close contact with a human or nonhuman primate infected with the virus are at risk. Such persons include laboratory or quarantine facility workers who handle nonhuman primates that have been associated with the disease. In addition, hospital staff and family members who care for patients with the disease are at risk if they do not use proper barrier nursing techniques. These precautions include wearing protective gowns, gloves, and masks, in addition to wearing eye protection (e.g., eye glasses) or a face shield. The likelihood of contracting any VHF, including Marburg, is considered extremely low unless there has been direct contact with the body fluids of symptomatic infected persons or animals, or objects that have been contaminated with body fluids. The cause of fever in persons who have traveled or live in areas where VHF is present is more likely to be a common infectious disease, but such persons should be evaluated by a health-care provider to be sure. CDC RecommendationsPersons living in areas affected by Marburg hemorrhagic fever should observe the following measures to help avoid illness.
If you think you have Marburg virus infection or symptoms compatible with Marburg VHF If you or your family members become ill with fever or develop other symptoms such as chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or rashes, visit a health-care provider immediately. The nearest U.S. Embassy or Consular Office can help you find a health-care provider in the area. You are encouraged to identify these resources in advance. When traveling to a health-care provider, limit your contact with others. All other travel should be avoided. After your return Persons returning from the affected area should monitor their health for 10 days. Any traveler who becomes ill, even if only a fever, should consult a health-care provider immediately and tell him or her about their recent travel and potential contacts. Tell the provider about your symptoms prior to going to the office or emergency room so arrangements can be made, if necessary, to prevent transmission to others in the health-care setting. Additional Information
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This page last reviewed August 23, 2007 |
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