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What is the Marburg virus, which has claimed two lives in Africa?

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2 years ago

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Two people have died from the Marburg virus in Ghana, with up to 100 people in quarantine

The Marburg virus traces back to monkeys imported from Uganda. But it has been linked to many other animals since then.

It started with two large outbreaks of the virus, which occurred simultaneously in the German town of Marburg and Frankfurt, and in Belgrade, Serbia.

This led the World Health Organisation to formally identify the virus in 1967, after 31 people became infected.

In fact, there was an outbreak in 2005, where over 300 people were killed in Angola.

The virus’ common symptoms include fever, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and extreme blood loss.

In Europe, one person has died in the past 40 years. Likewise, in the U.S. one person has died after returning from Africa.

Should I be concerned?

Ghana is in the grips of a Marburg outbreak, where two people have been killed. It is understood fatality rates range from 24 to 88 per cent.

The World Health Organisation says the virus can get out of hand, but notes local health authorities have responded swiftly.

“Many people go on to bleed from various parts of the body and die eight to nine days after first falling ill, because of extreme loss of blood and shock.”

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

Patients have been described as “ghost-like”, with a “deep set of eyes”, and “extreme lethargy”.

Critically, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for the Marburg virus.

However, the World Health Organisation believes rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and the treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.

How can I avoid it?

People remain infectious with Marburg for as long as their blood contains the virus.

The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people.

The World Health Organisation says healthcare workers have been infected while previously treating patients.

“Transmission via contaminated injection equipment or through needle-stick injuries is associated with more severe disease, rapid deterioration, and, possibly, a higher fatality rate.”

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

Similar to the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation recommends “good outbreak control” that uses a “range of interventions, namely case management, surveillance and contact tracing”.

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Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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20 killed, over 450 injured after hand-held radio detonation

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3 hours ago

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September 19, 2024

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Devastating blasts in Lebanon have left 20 dead and 450 injured after hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated.

The blasts follow a similar explosion on Tuesday, which killed 12, including two children, and injured nearly 3,000.

Hezbollah, momentarily thrown into chaos, struck back at Israeli artillery positions with rockets, marking the first retaliation since the deadly blasts.

Israeli intelligence is suspected of planting explosives in the radios and pagers Hezbollah purchased five months ago.

Israel’s military has refused to comment, fuelling further tension. #featured #trending

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Politics in the workplace: Musk backs Trump, while his workers donate to Harris

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8 hours ago

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September 19, 2024

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Workers associated with Elon Musk’s companies, including Tesla & SpaceX have reportedly made substantial donations to Kamala Harris’ campaign, despite Musk publicly supporting Donald Trump.

Employees from Elon Musk’s companies have thrown their financial support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, despite Musk publicly backing Donald Trump.

This comes as Musk, one of the world’s wealthiest men, has voiced his support for Trump in the 2024 presidential race.

Even with their boss firmly on Trump’s side, employees from his companies are backing Democrats in the upcoming election. #featured #trending

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Tight race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in Georgia

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8 hours ago

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September 19, 2024

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A new poll shows a tight race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in Georgia, with Trump leading Harris by a slim margin.

According to a new poll, former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are neck-and-neck in one of the most important battleground states of the 2024 presidential election.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution just released the results of its most recent voter survey, which framed the election as a dead heat race with significant margins for fluctuation.

The poll shows approximately 46.9% of voters currently say they would vote for Trump, compared to 44.4% of voters who say they would cast their vote for Harris.

Madeline Summerville, the CEO of Georgia Trial Consulting joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

#IN AMERICA TODAY #trending #2024election #Georgia #electionpolls

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