Marburg Virus Disease: Epidemiological Surveillance, Public Health Preparedness, and Infection Control Strategies within Healthcare Systems
Abstract
Background: Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Marburg virus (MARV), a high-consequence pathogen within the Filoviridae family. With historical case-fatality rates reaching up to 90%, MVD poses a persistent threat to global public health, particularly in parts of sub-Saharan Africa where sporadic outbreaks occur. The virus circulates in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), with human spillover occurring through exposure to infected bats or their excreta, followed by rapid human-to-human transmission via direct contact with infectious bodily fluids.
Aim: This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical management, and public health strategies for MVD, with a focus on the critical role of surveillance, healthcare system preparedness, and infection control in mitigating outbreaks.
Methods: A comprehensive review of the scientific literature was conducted, synthesizing data on MARV’s virology, transmission dynamics, clinical progression, diagnostic approaches, and outbreak response frameworks. Key guidelines from major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), were incorporated.
Results: MVD presents with nonspecific early symptoms (fever, myalgia) before progressing to severe gastrointestinal illness, coagulopathy, hemorrhage, and multi-organ failure. Diagnosis relies on RT-PCR and antigen-capture ELISA. No licensed vaccines or antivirals exist; management is strictly supportive (fluid resuscitation, electrolyte correction) within high-level isolation and infection control protocols. Effective outbreak control depends on rapid case detection, contact tracing, safe burials, and stringent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings.
Conclusion: The high lethality and transmissibility of MARV necessitate robust, coordinated public health responses. Strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, healthcare worker training, and community engagement in at-risk regions is paramount to prevent localized outbreaks from escalating into international health emergencies.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nouf Abdullah Mohammad Alraee, Tahani Mari Madine Alsayed, Ruba Ahmed Bakr Najjar, Manal Abdullhadi Abdullah Alshehri, Hamad Ahmad Nasser Al Saigh, Arwa Abdulrahman Hussain Almadani, Mudaysh Yahya Ahmad Bajawi, Amal Mohammed Ali Alsabai, Mehad Abdulkreem Abdulhameed Alkhifi, Manal Abd Ul Rhman Gamal Alanazi, Ghadeer Turki Almutairi, Aeshah Jaafari Alshaari
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