Posted on 02/07/2009 10:58:29 AM PST by george76
The first known case of Marburg hemorrhagic fever in the United States was treated at Lutheran Medical Center in January 2008, it was announced Friday.
The disease, which is caused by a virus indigenous to Africa, is transmitted by contact with infected animals or the bodily fluids of infected humans.
The patient, who was not identified, had apparently contracted the virus when he visited Uganda.
While in that country, he had visited a python cave in Maramagambo Forest in Queen Elizabeth Park, where he came into contact with fruit bats, which are capable of harboring the Marburg virus.
The CDC found in the repeat testing that the man had Marburg hemorrhagic fever...
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Marburg virus is indigenous to Africa and is found in infected animals, such as green monkeys.
The virus takes 5-10 days to incubate but the onset of the disease is sudden. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, headache and muscle pain.
However, after five days, a rash develops on the back, chest and stomach. The patient also starts experiencing nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Symptoms later become severe, which may include jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure and multi-organ dysfunction. The disease can be fatal.
Since the disease can be spread by contact with infectious bodily fluids, like getting splashed by a blood drop, medical caregivers are advised to wear protective gowns, gloves and masks.
(Excerpt) Read more at rockymountainnews.com ...
the initial CDC tests did not reveal the virus
Note to self: Cancel vacation plans for Uganda.
Why did it take a year to find out the information ?
“The patient, who was not identified, had apparently contracted the virus when he visited Uganda.”
How many people infected on the flight back?
The case appears to be the first Marburg infection reported in the United States.
The Marburg virus, like the Ebola virus, can cause a severe febrile disease for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment.
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/bt/vhf/news/feb0309marburg.html
Wasn’t it Marburg that killed Frank Black’s wife, turned his hair white and drove Lara Means insane in, ‘Millenium”
The scene with Lara Means going nuts was fantastic!
On the bright side I won’t be around to see OSU lose another bowl game.
Thanks, George76.
Rare Marlburg hemorrhagic fever in Denver.
Check yer illegals....that’s where it came from.
Why go there in the first place. If disease doesn’t kill, some death squad would.
He’s lucky he wasn’t eaten by a python.
Marburg, sorry ‘bout that.
***Read The Hot Zone a Bantam paperback in bookstores now! ***
I read it! It makes you want to get a bio-hazard suit and wear it all the time! Just in case!
***At least it wasn’t the dreaded “Marlboro” virus...***
Interesting that Marlboro was origionally a cigarette for ladies. Then the advertisers aimed for the men..
Lets see...One Marlboro man died wihen his horse fell on him in a pond, the other died of ...lung cancer.
Another great contribution from Africa to the world. We give them billions in aid, they give us ebola.
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