Marburg Threads

[Guest fledgling666]

well, i started to type this in one of the other 2 threads on the recent outbreaks of Marburg Virus in Angola, but then decided it didn't necessarily fit because it would alter the tone of those 2 threads. so here:

i just realized, my pregnant wife works at an import shop that often buys directly from African visiting traders/merchants. many times from the general area where Angola is located.

if it is no longer a global threat, or never was, what is it that justifies making that statement? our imigration practices? their emigration system? quarantine? do you get a blood test before leaving or arriving? (haven't travelled to too many foreign countries lately, especially anywhere in Africa).

how do i keep my wife and unborn daughter safe?

[Walkabout]

an excellent question! We in Northern Illinois have become infested with asian long horn beetles which are destroying trees all over the area. They came in wooden crates which were not sprayed.

One of the medical shows [ think it was Medical Investigation] had people getting sick from drum heads which were made with animal skins from africa. Hopefully the company she works for has instituted safeguards to keep this from happening.

[4th Horseman]

well, i started to type this in one of the other 2 threads on the recent outbreaks of Marburg Virus in Angola, but then decided it didn't necessarily fit because it would alter the tone of those 2 threads. so here:

i just realized, my pregnant wife works at an import shop that often buys directly from African visiting traders/merchants. many times from the general area where Angola is located.

if it is no longer a global threat, or never was, what is it that justifies making that statement? our imigration practices? their emigration system? quarantine? do you get a blood test before leaving or arriving? (haven't travelled to too many foreign countries lately, especially anywhere in Africa).

how do i keep my wife and unborn daughter safe?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I dont know if anyone can answer that fledgling666, other than locking them within the four walls of your home. I guess thats why they call it faith. My congrats on your upcoming bundle of joy, believe me, it is truely a magical moment.

Seems the Marburg post got a bit heated and i hope we can all agree to disagree and then sit down for beers afterwards. I dont know if you saw this yet, but i found this on the AP wire from Geneva:

GENEVA - Scientists around the world were scrambling to prevent the possibility of a pandemic after a nearly 50-year-old killer influenza virus was sent to thousands of labs, a decision that one researcher described as “unwise.”

The germ, the 1957 H2N2 “Asian flu” strain, killed between 1 million and 4 million people. It has not been included in flu vaccines since 1968, and anyone born after that date has little or no immunity to it.

Whats with this boneheaded decision. Its frightening that the very same scientists who are able to work on and understand such things as the human genome project, etc, still have no common sense.

Anyway, again, congrats and keep us posted, ok?

fourhorsemen.....

[gravity well]

how do i keep my wife and unborn daughter safe?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages.../marburg/qa.htm

Excerpt:

How is Marburg hemorrhagic fever prevented?

Due to our limited knowledge of the disease, preventive measures against transmission from the original animal host have not yet been established. Measures for prevention of secondary transmission are similar to those used for other hemorrhagic fevers. If a patient is either suspected or confirmed to have Marburg hemorrhagic fever, barrier nursing techniques should be used to prevent direct physical contact with the patient. These precautions include wearing of protective gowns, gloves, and masks; placing the infected individual in strict isolation; and sterilization or proper disposal of needles, equipment, and patient excretions.

In conjunction with the World Health Organization, CDC has developed practical, hospital-based guidelines, titled Infection Control for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers In the African Health Care Setting. The manual can help health-care facilities recognize cases and prevent further hospital-based disease transmission using locally available materials and few financial resources.

Not exactly much to work with, but it's something, perhaps.

[nothing i do is magic]

I was so scared, irrationally I must say, when I first heard about the outbreaks in Angola. The phrase "Ebola-like" was enough to do me in. I must preface this and say it was mainly because of Millennium that I had this reaction - more like the power of people controlling a virus rather than the pathogen itself. I was the only person in my AP Biology class in high school to know what Marburg was, and I did a presentation on it.

I know little about the policies surrounding the outbreak in Angola, and can only hope it's controlled and no longer a threat.

If you don't have a weak stomach and have the time I'd reccommend reading Richard Preston's The Hot Zone. I read most of it on a plane ride. It's sort of the 'true story' about the filoviruses - the Ebola strains and Marburg, and while it wanders a little bit once the virus reaches the US, it's very informative and easy to read. Preventing the spread of the virus is obviously fundamental to controlling it; the methods gravity well posted below are employed whenever possible, but they're not always available. It was almost painful reading about the first man to become infected, and how little precautions were taken because they had no idea what they were dealing with.

However, once a patient is infected with a filovirus, they're pretty much treated symptomatically, and obviously, kept clean and whatnot. One thing that really interested me is that if you're kept hydrated you'll probably survive, because most people died of dehydration. So there you go.

(I also learned that Nairobi has the best hospital in Eastern Africa, but my mother still wouldn't let me travel abroad to Kenya...)

On that note, I had a lot of questions about Marburg after reading the book, because what was shown on MM was not Marburg (exactly). I understand the writers/make up people needing to clean it up in order for it to be shown under "network standards and practices", but... All I can say is the Group had some scientists working overtime on modifying the virus. (Reminded me a bit of the only other Richard Preston book I've read (so far), The Cobra Event, his first work of fiction about an engineered virus. Scary, but very interesting.)

Anybody else want to discuss that aspect, post away! I'm certainly no virologist (nor am I sure how to spell it!).

-nothing

[4th Horseman]

I was so scared, irrationally I must say, when I first heard about the outbreaks in Angola. The phrase "Ebola-like" was enough to do me in. I must preface this and say it was mainly because of Millennium that I had this reaction - more like the power of people controlling a virus rather than the pathogen itself. I was the only person in my AP Biology class in high school to know what Marburg was, and I did a presentation on it.

I know little about the policies surrounding the outbreak in Angola, and can only hope it's controlled and no longer a threat.

If you don't have a weak stomach and have the time I'd reccommend reading Richard Preston's The Hot Zone. I read most of it on a plane ride. It's sort of the 'true story' about the filoviruses - the Ebola strains and Marburg, and while it wanders a little bit once the virus reaches the US, it's very informative and easy to read. Preventing the spread of the virus is obviously fundamental to controlling it; the methods gravity well posted below are employed whenever possible, but they're not always available. It was almost painful reading about the first man to become infected, and how little precautions were taken because they had no idea what they were dealing with.

However, once a patient is infected with a filovirus, they're pretty much treated symptomatically, and obviously, kept clean and whatnot. One thing that really interested me is that if you're kept hydrated you'll probably survive, because most people died of dehydration. So there you go.

(I also learned that Nairobi has the best hospital in Eastern Africa, but my mother still wouldn't let me travel abroad to Kenya...)

On that note, I had a lot of questions about Marburg after reading the book, because what was shown on MM was not Marburg (exactly). I understand the writers/make up people needing to clean it up in order for it to be shown under "network standards and practices", but...  All I can say is the Group had some scientists working overtime on modifying the virus. (Reminded me a bit of the only other Richard Preston book I've read (so far), The Cobra Event, his first work of fiction about an engineered virus. Scary, but very interesting.)

Anybody else want to discuss that aspect, post away! I'm certainly no virologist (nor am I sure how to spell it!).

-nothing

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

following is a brief synopsis on Marburg from the CDC - i am in the same boat nidim, i cant hardly spell the word either, but i did major in biology, yet i dont recall ever studying Marburg, but that was back in the 70's...we were more concerned with e. coli....anyway...its good reading....

Brief Report: Outbreak of Marburg Virus Hemorrhagic Fever --- Angola, October 1, 2004--March 29, 2005

On March 23, 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed Marburg virus (family Filoviridae, which includes Ebola virus) as the causative agent of an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in Uige Province in northern Angola. Testing conducted by CDC's Special Pathogens Branch detected the presence of virus in nine of 12 clinical specimens from patients who died during the outbreak.

During October 1, 2004--March 29, 2005, a total of 124 cases were identified; of these, 117 were fatal (1). Approximately 75% of the reported cases occurred in children aged <5 years; cases also have occurred in adults, including health-care workers. Predominant symptoms have included fever, hemorrhage, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, and jaundice.

WHO and international partners in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are working with the Ministry of Health in Angola in conducting an investigation and public health response to the outbreak. Outbreak-control efforts are directed at providing technical support for case management, strengthening infection control in hospitals, improving surveillance and contact tracing, and educating local residents about the disease and its modes of transmission.

As part of the public health response, CDC will be sending personnel to join the WHO-coordinated GOARN response team to assist with epidemiologic investigation, infection control, and laboratory diagnosis. In addition, CDC will continue to provide laboratory and other scientific and logistical support. On March 25, CDC posted a notice on its website to inform travelers about the outbreak (available at https://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/marburg_vhf_angola_2005.htm). This website will be updated as new information becomes available. No U.S. travel restrictions to the affected area are recommended at this time.

Marburg virus disease presents as an acute febrile illness and can progress within 6--8 days to severe hemorrhagic manifestations. After an incubation period of 5--10 days, onset of the disease is sudden and is marked by fever, chills, headache, and myalgia. Approximately the fifth day after onset of symptoms, a maculopapular rash might occur, after which nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea might appear. Signs and symptoms become increasingly severe and can include jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging, and multi-organ dysfunction.

Fatality rates for outbreaks of Marburg VHF have ranged from approximately 25% to 80%; mortality has been higher in outbreaks in which effective case management was lacking. No vaccine or curative treatment is available, and supportive treatment should be used. The virus can be spread to humans through direct contact with body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, and urine) of an infected person or animal. Thus, the best protection for persons in or traveling to the outbreak area is to avoid direct contact with body fluids from potentially infected persons. Virus transmission also might be possible through contact with objects (e.g., medical equipment) that have been contaminated with infectious material. The virus has been reported to survive for as long as several days on contaminated surfaces (2). Hospital infection-control practices for infected patients should include contact and droplet precautions, in addition to wearing eye protection or a face shield. U.S. clinicians caring for patients with suspected Marburg virus infection should contact CDC or local public health officials for additional information about VHF infection control.

Clinicians should consider the diagnosis of Marburg VHF among febrile patients who, within 10 days before onset of fever, have either 1) traveled in northern Angola; 2) had direct contact with blood, other body fluids, secretions, or excretions of a person or animal suspected of having VHF; or 3) worked in a laboratory or animal facility that handles hemorrhagic fever viruses (3). The likelihood of acquiring VHF is considered extremely low in persons who do not meet any of these criteria. The cause of fever in persons who have traveled to areas where VHF is endemic is more likely to be a different infectious disease.

Reports of Marburg virus disease are rare, and its occurrence has been limited to countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The environmental reservoir of the virus is unknown. The current outbreak in Angola is the first report of Marburg virus disease since 1998--2000, when the largest known outbreak occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in 149 cases and 123 deaths (4).

Additional information is available at the following websites:

WHO information about the outbreak in Angola: https://www.who.int;

CDC information about Marburg virus and VHFs: https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages...es/marburg.htm;

CDC information on infection control for VHFs in the African health-care setting: https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/vhfmanual.htm; and

CDC information about travelers' health: https://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm.

Reported by: Div of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Div of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Div of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Infectious Diseases, CDC.

References

1. World Health Organization. Marburg virus disease in Angola---update 3 (March 29, 2005).

Available at https://www.who.int/csr/don/2005_03_29a/en.

2. Belanov YF, Muntyanov VP, Kryuk VD, et al. Survival of Marburg virus on contaminated surfaces and in aerosol. Voprosy Virusologii 1996; 41:32--4.

3. CDC. Update: management of patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fever---United States. MMWR 1995;44:475--9.

4. World Health Organization. Marburg virus disease in Angola---update (March 23, 2005).

Available at https://www.who.int/csr/don/2005_03_23/en.

Now the question looms...can anyone tell me WHY all of these potentially deadly viruses only seem to break out in impoverished countries? Does anyone really believe that there are organizations (similar to sense anti-sense episode) that are currently and purposely exposing certain people to know pathogens? History is somewhat replete with such events, Tuskeegee, etc..(still a tragic event, i dont care if the government apologized or not)....makes one wonder...

[hippyroo]

"Now the question looms...can anyone tell me WHY all of these potentially deadly viruses only seem to break out in impoverished countries? Does anyone really believe that there are organizations (similar to sense anti-sense episode) that are currently and purposely exposing certain people to know pathogens? History is somewhat replete with such events, Tuskeegee, etc..(still a tragic event, i dont care if the government apologized or not)....makes one wonder... " four horsemen

I propose several reasons these break out in impoverished countries. One, since many of these areas are underdeveloped there are still wild places where viruses and other creatures may have been living for a long time undisturbed. As these areas begin development they may expose themselves by building or harvesting in new areas.

A second consideration is the state of everyday sanitation in these places. Do they have indoor plumbing? How do they manage wastes? The availability of clean water and the absence of sewage go a long way in both preventing outbreaks and in helping combat a pathogen once it has established a beachhead in the community. How do they prepare their food? I know many cases of the bird flu were caused by using duck's blood to make wine.

The general health of the population is a third factor to consider. If people are already malnourished, have little access to modern health care, etc. ; they are already at higher risk of getting an infection and have a smaller chance of fighting it off once it is established in their bodies. Lower immune systems equals higher chance of infection. Less access to modern remedies may mean less chance of healing.

While I would not be shocked (only dismayed) that some group is purposely using humans as biological guinea pigs, it is easy to accept that more understandable reasons cause many epidemics to break out among the poorer nations.

[4th Horseman]

"Now the question looms...can anyone tell me WHY all of these potentially deadly viruses only seem to break out in impoverished countries? Does anyone really believe that there are organizations (similar to sense anti-sense episode) that are currently and purposely exposing certain people to know pathogens? History is somewhat replete with such events, Tuskeegee, etc..(still a tragic event, i dont care if the government apologized or not)....makes one wonder... "  four horsemen

I propose several reasons these break out in impoverished countries.  One, since many of these areas are underdeveloped there are still wild places where viruses and other creatures may have been  living for a long time undisturbed.  As these areas begin development they may expose themselves by building or harvesting in new areas.

A second consideration is the state of everyday sanitation in these places.  Do they have indoor plumbing?  How do they manage wastes?  The availability of clean water and the absence of sewage go a long way in both preventing outbreaks and in helping combat a pathogen once it has established a beachhead in the community.  How do they prepare their food?  I know many cases of the bird flu were caused by using duck's blood to make wine.

The general health of the population is a third factor to consider.  If people are already malnourished, have little access to modern health care, etc. ; they are already at higher risk of getting an infection and have a smaller chance of fighting it off once it is established in their bodies.  Lower immune systems equals higher chance of infection.  Less access to modern remedies may mean less chance of healing.

While I would not be shocked (only dismayed) that some group is purposely using humans as biological guinea pigs, it is easy to accept that more understandable reasons cause many epidemics to break out among the poorer nations.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ah ha----you did not take my bait. It would be easier to assume a sinister force behind such things, but i wanted to see who would put forth what i consider to be the most rational explanations...kudos hippyroo....very well done

[Archer]

"Now the question looms...can anyone tell me WHY all of these potentially deadly viruses only seem to break out in impoverished countries? Does anyone really believe that there are organizations (similar to sense anti-sense episode) that are currently and purposely exposing certain people to know pathogens? History is somewhat replete with such events, Tuskeegee, etc..(still a tragic event, i dont care if the government apologized or not)....makes one wonder... "  four horsemen

I propose several reasons these break out in impoverished countries.  One, since many of these areas are underdeveloped there are still wild places where viruses and other creatures may have been  living for a long time undisturbed.  As these areas begin development they may expose themselves by building or harvesting in new areas.

A second consideration is the state of everyday sanitation in these places.  Do they have indoor plumbing?  How do they manage wastes?  The availability of clean water and the absence of sewage go a long way in both preventing outbreaks and in helping combat a pathogen once it has established a beachhead in the community.  How do they prepare their food?  I know many cases of the bird flu were caused by using duck's blood to make wine.

I AGREE!

The general health of the population is a third factor to consider.  If people are already malnourished, have little access to modern health care, etc. ; they are already at higher risk of getting an infection and have a smaller chance of fighting it off once it is established in their bodies.  Lower immune systems equals higher chance of infection.  Less access to modern remedies may mean less chance of healing.

While I would not be shocked (only dismayed) that some group is purposely using humans as biological guinea pigs, it is easy to accept that more understandable reasons cause many epidemics to break out among the poorer nations.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[4th Horseman]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hippyroo..now that i am home from work, i can expound on how i responded.

You brought up very salient points. MOST likely, outbreaks in these various regions are brought upon by your already described events, one cascading into another until you have chaos and death.

Yet, for a moment i would never exclude a government, ours or another, from the possibility of conducting biological experiments on those in said countries to further either their interests, (WMD, Biological) whatever. All you have to do is read the quotes at the beginning of Sense Anti-Sense to know it HAS happened.

Anyway, you brought very good, honest reasons to the discussion....have a good one...