Marburg virus outbreak.. What are its symptoms and how to prevent it?
Marburg virus outbreak.. What are its symptoms and how to prevent it?
In a regional event that rings the alarm bell, the Marburg virus returns to the forefront, raising questions from the people of the African continent about: What are its symptoms? How can we prevent it? These are questions that come in a global context in which individuals are searching for the necessary knowledge to protect themselves, and as governments seek to strengthen health systems capable of responding to epidemics.
The World Health Authority announced – yesterday, Saturday – that at least nine Ethiopians were infected with the potentially fatal Marburg virus, and this came following confirmation from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, putting the country before a wave of rapid measures to contain the epidemic.
We must realize that this deadly virus begins with a person’s body temperature rising, a severe headache, and muscle pain, until on the third day of the virus cycle the person is afflicted with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, and this may last for a week.
To prevent this deadly virus, we addressEarth GuardsIn the following lines, I highlight the news of its spread in Ethiopia, explain the ways to prevent it, and measure the extent of the negative impact of such a widespread epidemic in delaying efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); So keep reading.
Story and History
The Marburg virus was first discovered in 1967 in the city of Marburg, Germany. After workers were exposed to samples of harrier monkeys (a type of monkey) used in research, which resulted in frightening injuries and deaths.
Since then, several international health institutions have listed the Marburg virus as a high-risk pathogen, one of the agents classified as a bioterrorism threat, and also view it as the most dangerous hemorrhagic fever virus belonging to the filovirus family.
How is Marburg virus infection transmitted?
The virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person, according to what the World Health Organization stated; Any direct contact through contact with skin scratches or mucous membranes with the blood of infected people, or contact with surfaces and materials contaminated with fluids and secretions of people infected with the virus.
The virus can be transmitted through fruit bats (a type of bat found in countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Central Africa), and there the virus causes severe symptoms in humans, including bleeding and fever, and it is very similar toEbola virus.
Control efforts
Therefore, the Ethiopian health authorities relied on medical isolation, contact tracing, and expanding field examinations, which are essential elements for any system that seeks to control epidemics. This is as follows:
Medical isolation
The Ethiopian government resorted to immediately isolating confirmed cases in designated medical centers to limit transmission of infection within the community. This measure aims to break the chain of spread of the virus, and give health teams the ability to deal with cases without pressure or interference.
Contact Tracing
The authorities also activated field teams to monitor everyone who had been in contact with the infected people during the previous days. In order to detect any symptoms early, and reduce the chances of a silent outbreak. This approach contributes to controlling the spread before it turns into broader outbreaks that are difficult to contain.
Expansion of field examination
The Ethiopian Ministry of Health also intensified examination operations in villages and communities near the infection areas. To quickly identify suspected cases. This procedure is an effective way to monitor the disease in its immediate environment and prevent its spread to new areas.
The influence of Marburg on society and the economy
The impact of the Marburg virus goes beyond the boundaries of health institutions, as it extends to the fabric of society and the economy. Because rural communities in southern Ethiopia depend on agricultural and craft activities; Therefore, any epidemic outbreak threatens the productive movement, reduces family incomes, and increases the fragility of poor groups.
From an institutional perspective, the Marburg virus outbreak reveals the need for developing countries to strengthen risk management systems and develop coordination mechanisms between health authorities, local authorities, and regional organizations. Epidemics represent a challenge that requires a collective response, transparent practices, and raising the efficiency of laboratories, which falls within the scope of building resilient institutions.
Marburg and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The impact of the Marburg outbreak goes to the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being; It tests the ability of health systems to prevent, prepare and respond.
The outbreak of the Marburg virus in Ethiopia confirms that global health security is an essential pillar in building stable societies and economies capable of growth. This event shows that health protection is a necessity linked to good governance, preventive policies, and investment in health infrastructure.
If this outbreak carries a clear message, it is that the future of sustainable development is linked to the extent of countries’ ability to build health systems that are transparent and capable of adapting to risks. Here, the decisive role of long-term policies emerges, which give priority to prevention, promote a culture of preparedness, and ensure that institutions remain capable of protecting society before crises worsen.
Therefore,The Earth Guards Foundation believes that strengthening early warning systems, integrating work between the health and community sectors, and expanding investment in prevention; Mandatory paths to ensure countries’ resilience to emergency epidemics, and to protect future generations from deeper health and economic repercussions.
