Jakarta, IO – Marburg disease was reported in Equatorial Guinea on February 13. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed there were 9 deaths and 16 suspected cases reported in Kie Ntem Province. Of the 8 samples examined, 1 sample was positive for the Marburg virus. Extraordinary Events in Equatorial Guinea are expected to start on 7 February 2023. Reported symptoms include fever, fatigue, bloody vomiting, and diarrhea.
Although there have been no cases or suspicions of Marburg disease in Indonesia, the Ministry of Health conducted a rapid risk assessment of Marburg disease on February 20, 2023. So it was found that the possibility of importing Marburg virus cases into Indonesia is low. “However, we still need to carry out early vigilance and anticipation of the Marburg virus disease,” said dr. Mohammad Syahril, Sp.P(K), spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, MPH, in an official broadcast, Tuesday (28/3/2023).
The government has issued a Circular on Precautions Against Marburg Virus Disease. Local governments, health service facilities, port health offices, health workers, and related stakeholders are advised to be vigilant against the Marburg filovirus because its fatality rate reaches 88%.
Marburg virus disease is a rare hemorrhagic fever, in the same family as the Ebola virus. Transmission to humans occurs through direct contact with infected people or animals, or objects contaminated with the virus. Marburg is transmitted through bodily fluids directly from bats or primates. The natural host bat for the Marburg virus, namely Rousettus aegyptiacus, is not a native species and has not been found in Indonesia, but Indonesia has entered the path of this bat mobilization.
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Because the symptoms are similar to malaria, typhus, or dengue fever, which are common in Indonesia, it is difficult to identify Marburg virus disease. “General symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. This disease can also cause bleeding from the nose, gums, or vagina, it can also be through vomiting and feces that appear on day 5 to day 7,” said dr. Syahril.
Reportedly, until now the vaccine is still in the development stage. Two vaccines have entered phase one clinical trials, namely the Sabin strain vaccine and the Janssen vaccine. Likewise, there is no specific drug for Marburg virus disease. Therapy is symptomatic and supportive, namely treating complications and maintaining the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. (est)