Hemorrhagic Fevers

[Archangel2]

I am doing a report on hemorrhagic fevers for my biology class. Does anyone have any expertiece in this field?? I had read about a solitary case of Marburg Hemorrhagic fever. Any body know anything about that?

[jacobitedreamer]

Hi Archangel,

here is some general information:

The first time this disease appeared in Europe was in 1967 in Marburg, where 23 people were effected.

It is caused by a so-called "hidden" or veiled RNA-virus called Marburg virus. Until now it is not really sure how to classify this virus, yet some would say it belongs to the Filovirid family (filoviridae).

The first contact with this virus here in Europe was caused by the import of some animals from Uganda. Later, it was spread from man to man. In West Africa there are people who are immune against Marburg. Some seem to have gone through the disease without or with but little symptoms as there are antibodies in their blood. Others seem to be genetically immune.

From the first contact with the virus to the time it breaks out, it takes 3 - 9 days. It first begins with headache, aching muscles, then, after about 8 days, extremely high fever, watery diarrhoea, vomiting, exsiccosis (heavy dehydration), it damages the kidneys, in male patients occurs an acute inflammation of the testicles. On the skin and on the mucous membranes there appear inflamed spots. The nervous system is affected, too, coma or alterations of the consciousness do appear frequently. Lastly, there are the haemorrhags, little bleedings that break through the skin and the fascias of the muscles and inner organs. Even today, still 25 % of Marburg patients die.

Marburg fever can be confused with Ebola, Lassa-Fever, Yellow Fever and even with Dengue Fever, yet in case of the latter, fever disappears after three days, only to come back again with more strength (and there is no bleeding of skin or organs here).

Diagnosis is done by tracing the virus in the patient's blood.

Treatment: According to symtoms (medicine against fever, inflammations, pain etc.). As soon as possible, the patient is given a serum made of the blood of a patient who has gone through the same disease and thus has got antibodies. This is called reconvalescent serum.

Hope that was of some help to you. If you need more info, just tell me. Or try the Marburg Institute on the web. But their info is in German (I think).

Oh, I forgot to say that patients suffering from Marburg often complain about needle-like pain in their eyes, caused by simple daylight.

[Edited by jacobitedreamer on 4th May 2002 at 12:11]

[Archangel2]

Thank You so much!! I apologize for not responding in such a long time! This info was so helpful!

[jacobitedreamer]

Originally posted by Archangel2
Thank You so much!! I apologize for not responding in such a long time! This info was so helpful!

I am happy I could help. Let me know when you need help again. LOL