Marburg virus disease
Quick Summary
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe, often fatal zoonotic illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the Filoviridae family. First identified in 1967, it is characterized by high fever, malaise, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and hemorrhage. Case fatality rates can range from 80% to 90%.1
The virus is thought to be transmitted to humans from Egyptian fruit bats, which are considered a suspected reservoir. Initial infection targets organs like the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen, and it suppresses the immune system, allowing for uncontrolled viral replication. The pathology is similar to Ebola virus disease, another filovirus infection.12
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