A rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that affects both humans and non-human primates. Marburg HF is caused by the Marburg virus, a genetically unique animal-borne RNA virus of the filovirus family. It is unknown how Marburg virus first transmits from its animal host to humans, but in at least one instance, unprotected contact with infected bat feces or aerosols were the most likely routes of infection. After the initial crossover of the virus from host animal to humans, transmission occurs through person-to-person contact. This may happen through direct contact to droplets of body fluids from infected persons, or contact with equipment and other objects contaminated with infectious blood or tissues. After an incubation period of 5-10 days, symptom onset is sudden and marked by fever, chills, headache and myalgia. Around the fifth day after the onset of symptoms, a maculopapular rash, most prominent on the trunk (chest, back, stomach), may occur. Nausea, vomiting, chest pain, a sore throat, abdominal pain and diarrhea may then appear. Symptoms become increasingly severe and can include jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging and multi-organ dysfunction. There is no specific treatment for Marburg hemorrhagic fever. Supportive hospital therapy should be utilized, which includes balancing the patient's fluids and electrolytes, maintaining oxygen status and blood pressure, replacing lost blood and clotting factors, and treatment for any complicating infections. The reservoir host of Marburg virus is the African fruit bat.
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