New Delhi, Nov 15 (NationPress) Ethiopia has recorded its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a rare and lethal viral hemorrhagic fever, with laboratory confirmations of nine cases, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This disease, caused by the Marburg virus, belongs to the same family as the virus responsible for Ebola virus disease. It has a staggering case fatality ratio of up to 88 percent and currently lacks any antiviral treatments or vaccines.

The transmission occurs when humans come into contact with fruit bats or through direct interaction with the bodily fluids of those infected or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms manifest as high fever, intense headaches, muscle pains, and fatigue, with many affected individuals experiencing severe bleeding within a week of symptom onset.

According to the WHO, “Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has substantiated an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the South Ethiopia Region, marking the first instance in the nation, following lab tests on samples from a cluster of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases.”

“Nine cases have been confirmed in the outbreak affecting Jinka town in the South Ethiopia Region,” it further stated.

The Marburg and Ebola viruses are both part of the Filoviridae family. Despite being caused by distinct viruses, these diseases exhibit similar clinical characteristics.

Both illnesses are infrequent but have the potential to trigger significant outbreaks with high mortality rates.

Fruit bats, specifically the Rousettus aegypti, part of the Pteropodidae family, are recognized as natural carriers of the Marburg virus.

Genetic studies reveal that the strain of Marburg virus found in Ethiopia is consistent with those documented in previous outbreaks across East Africa.

Previous sporadic cases have been noted in nations such as Angola, Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.

In response to this outbreak, the WHO reported that national authorities are enhancing their response strategies, including community-wide screenings, isolation of cases, treatment, contact tracing, and public education campaigns to prevent further transmission of the Marburg virus.

The WHO, along with its partners, is aiding the government in its efforts to control the virus's spread and resolve the outbreak.

A specialized team experienced in managing viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks has been dispatched with essential medical supplies and equipment.

At present, there are no approved treatments or vaccines for the effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease.

Early access to supportive care, such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, as well as treatment for specific symptoms, can enhance survival rates, according to the WHO.