The recent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease in African countries are indicating potential threat to the global public health: Future prediction from historical data.
Iftekhar Ahmed, Lubaba Salsabil, Md Jamal Hossain, Mohammad Shahriar, Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, Md Rabiul Islam
Author Information
Iftekhar Ahmed: Department of Pharmacy University of Asia Pacific Dhaka Bangladesh.
Lubaba Salsabil: Department of Pharmacy University of Asia Pacific Dhaka Bangladesh.
Md Jamal Hossain: Department of Pharmacy State University of Bangladesh Dhaka Bangladesh. ORCID
Mohammad Shahriar: Department of Pharmacy University of Asia Pacific Dhaka Bangladesh.
Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan: Department of Pharmacy University of Asia Pacific Dhaka Bangladesh.
Md Rabiul Islam: Department of Pharmacy University of Asia Pacific Dhaka Bangladesh. ORCID
Marburg virus disease (MVD) caused by the Marburg virus has a high mortality rate. fruit bats act as the natural reservoir host of the virus. But it can also potentially be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with body secretions. The recent outbreaks have already killed seven people out of nine confirmed cases in Equatorial Guinea and five patients out of eight confirmed cases in Tanzania. In the recent past, Ghana reported three MVD cases and two associated deaths in 2022. Specific treatments or vaccines are unavailable for MVD, and supportive care is the primary treatment option. The history of MVD outbreaks and the current scenario show its potential to become an emerging threat to global public health. The recent outbreaks in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea have already caused a high fatality rate. The absence of effective treatment and vaccines raises concerns about the potential to cause widespread harm. Besides, its capacity for human-to-human transmission and potential to cross the country's border could result in a multicountry outbreak. Therefore, we recommend intensive surveillance of MVD, preventative measures, and early detection to limit the spread of the disease and prevent another pandemic.
