Why is the Marburg virus so dangerous?

The Marburg virus is an extremely dangerous virus that causes severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever, similar to the Ebola virus. Both belong to the filoviruses, which are known for their high mortality rate and rapid spread in the body.

The mortality rate of Marburg virus can range from 25% to 90%, depending on the specific outbreak and the availability of medical care. This high mortality rate makes the virus particularly deadly.

Marburg virus spreads rapidly throughout the body by replicating in many different cell types, including immune cells and blood vessels. This leads to severe damage to blood vessels and tissues, resulting in internal bleeding and organ failure.

The virus causes a condition known as hemorrhagic fever, in which blood vessels become damaged, leading to internal and external bleeding. Patients may experience spontaneous bleeding from their eyes, ears, nose, and other body orifices, leading to serious complications and often death.

Symptoms of Marburg can worsen rapidly, often within days of infection. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine that is directly effective against Marburg virus.

The Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids (blood, saliva, urine, vomit, etc.). Healthcare workers, family members, and others who come into close contact with an infected patient are at high risk, especially without adequate protective measures.

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hsr2.1545

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-10-02 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025