Marburg is a filovirus that was discovered in Marburg, Germany in
1967. The virus originated in East Africa from a shipment of
African Green Monkeys. The virus jumped into the human species
and infected 31 people. The Mortality rate of Marburg is
approximately one in four or 25% which is not as fatal as the
other filoviruses but still very lethal. Inoculation can occur by coming
into contact with any form of infected bodily fluids. Other cases
originated in Kenya in 1980 and 1987, near a Cave Kitum on Mount
Elgon.
Being a filovirus, Marburg is shaped like a thread. However
Marburg has a unique shape compared to other filoviruses, it has
tendency to loop around to give the appearance of a ring or
donut. Marburg is the only ring-shaped virus known.
Marburg ferociously attacks the internal organs, eyes, genitals,
connective tissue, and skin. People surviving the Marburg virus
show the following side effects from the virus during recovery:
Loss of all body hair.
Skin peeling off the face, hands, feet, and genitals.
Brain damage is most often present.
Facial expressions never quite recover due to damage to connective tissue.
The natural resevoir or carrier of Marburg is yet unknown, it
could range from insects, to bats, to monkeys, to elephants.
Attempts to locate the initial host have been unsuccessful.
With so much uncertainty that encompasses this virus, will another
outbreak occur soon, We can only suspect that it will and prepare for
while we pray for it remain with it's secluded home of the jungle.