Although Marburg virus is considered rare, it has re-emerged after new outbreaks were detected in parts of Africa. Health experts describe it as a deadly virus due to its high fatality rate despite the low number of infections. Marburg is one of the most dangerous viruses similar to Ebola, and its severity increases because its early symptoms are hard to distinguish from flu or gastrointestinal infections. Understanding the symptoms of Marburg virus is therefore essential for early detection and limiting its spread.
How Do Marburg Virus Symptoms Begin?
According to the World Health Organization, the early symptoms of Marburg virus appear suddenly and escalate rapidly. The challenge is that these symptoms are very similar to the flu at first, then progress to resemble severe gastrointestinal infections. As the infection advances, the patient may develop life-threatening hemorrhaging.
Incubation Period of Marburg Virus
Before symptoms appear, the infected person goes through an incubation period during which no signs of illness are visible. This silent phase can last from 3 to 21 days, depending on the strength of the virus and the route of infection. During this time, the patient is not contagious.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus
According to CDC Africa, Marburg symptoms develop in several stages:
1. Early Symptoms
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High fever (39–40°C)
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Severe, persistent headache
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Chills and intense muscle and joint pain similar to severe flu
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Extreme fatigue making normal activity difficult
Most patients assume early on that they have influenza, but the rapid progression and severity prompt doctors to suspect a more serious viral infection—often linked to recent travel to African regions where the virus is present.
2. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Typically appearing between day 2 and day 5:
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Severe nausea
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Persistent, uncontrolled vomiting
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Acute watery diarrhea lasting up to a week
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Stomach pain and cramps
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Loss of appetite and rapid weight loss
Patients often appear visibly drained, with sunken eyes, pale skin, and signs of dehydration.
3. Skin Rash
As the infection advances, a rash may appear resembling measles, usually on the chest and back, accompanied by fever and vomiting.
When Does Marburg Become a Hemorrhagic Fever?
Around day 5 or later, the infection becomes most dangerous. The virus attacks the entire body, and the following hemorrhagic symptoms can emerge:
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Bleeding from the nose or gums
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Blood in vomit or stool
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Bleeding from needle puncture sites
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In women, vaginal bleeding
During this severe phase, patients can suffer:
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Sudden drop in blood pressure
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Altered consciousness (confusion, delirium, coma)
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Seizures or other neurological symptoms
Fatal cases often occur between day 8 and day 16, due to internal bleeding, severe dehydration, and multi-organ failure.
How to Distinguish Marburg from Other Illnesses
The difficulty in detecting Marburg early is due to its similarity to:
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Influenza
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Malaria
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Dengue fever
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Typhoid
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Other viral hemorrhagic fevers
It cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Key warning signs include:
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Very high fever combined with unusual weakness
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Rapid development of severe digestive symptoms
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Bleeding after travel or contact with someone from an affected area
Final diagnosis requires specialized laboratory tests to detect the virus in blood or body fluids.
Doctors strongly advise anyone returning from affected African regions who experiences fever, vomiting, or extreme fatigue—even mild—to undergo testing immediately. Early detection can save lives.
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