Where is Marburg virus found?

Marburg virus is indigenous to Africa. While the geographic area to which it is native is unknown, this area appears to include at least parts of Uganda and Western Kenya, and perhaps Zimbabwe. As with Ebola virus, the actual animal host for Marburg virus also remains a mystery. Both of the men infected in 1980 in western Kenya had traveled extensively, including making a visit to a cave, in that region. The cave was investigated by placing sentinels animals inside to see if they would become infected, and by taking samples from numerous animals and arthropods trapped during the investigation.

The investigation yielded no virus. The sentinel animals remained healthy and no virus isolations from the samples obtained have been reported.

How do humans get Marburg hemorrhagic fever?

Just how the animal host first transmits Marburg virus to humans is unknown. However, as with some other viruses which cause viral hemorrhagic fever, humans who become ill with Marburg hemorrhagic fever may spread the virus to other people. This may happen in several ways. Persons who have handled infected monkeys and have come in direct contact with their fluids or cell cultures, have become infected. Spread of the virus between humans has occurred in a setting of close contact, often in a hospital. Droplets of body fluids, or direct contact with persons, equipment, or other objects contaminated with infectious blood or tissues are all highly suspect as sources of disease.

RELATED STORIES:
Risk Factors for Marburg virus   When to See a Health-care Provider   Symptoms of Marburg virus   MARBURG   Marburg virus: FAQ   Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever   Basic Summary for Marburg virus   What is Marburg Hemorrhagic (Bleeding) Fever?   How is Marburg hemorrhagic fever prevented?   What are the symptoms of Marburg disease?   What needs to be done to address the threat of Marburg hemorrhagic fever?   How is Marburg hemorrhagic fever treated?