Marburg virus disease can cause serious disease and death in people and primates like apes and monkeys. It was first identified in Germany in 1967 in primates imported from Africa, at which time there was also an outbreak in Serbia. To date, all other outbreaks have been in sub-Saharan Africa.
Transmission of Marburg Virus
The main carrier of Marburg disease is the Egyptian fruit bat, although other types of bats can also be carriers. Bats don't get sick from the disease but shed it through their saliva and eliminations (urine and feces). Contact with the bodily fluids or feces of any infected animal (or person) can infect people. In domestic animals, antibodies have been found in dogs, pigs, livestock, and rodents, but these animals don't transmit the disease and aren't sources of infection for people. Antibodies are part of the body's defense against disease.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus in Animals
Bats that are infected with Marburg virus show no symptoms. Nonhuman primates (apes, monkeys) have the same symptoms as people and include:
fever
lack of energy
flu-like symptoms
bleeding from the nose and/or mouth or in urine or feces
digestive signs (vomiting, diarrhea)
skin rash
death
Treatment and Prevention of Marburg Virus
There is no treatment for Marburg in animals.
Avoid contact with Egyptian fruit bats and nonhuman primates, their urine and feces, and any areas they might have touched.
Avoid contact with secretions and bodily fluids of people who have been in areas of outbreak.
Wear full protective equipment in areas of outbreak or around possibly infected animals or people.
Important Zoonotic Points Regarding Marburg Virus
Marburg is a serious and potentially fatal virus that affects all primates, including people.
Infection occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa.
Fruit bats are believed to be the source of infection, but they don't get sick.
The virus is spread from the secretions, excretions, and bodies of infected animals and people.
