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 ...
Now, imagine trying to get past TSA, without unbolting the helmet on your moon suit...
Thanks for posting. Thanks for the ping. Very interesting.
life/health BUMP!
Kansas is asking for trouble. Thanks for the book suggestion. I need a cheery read to lift my spirits.
You are exactly correct. IGM is the first responder.
This doesn’t sound like illegals were the vector. The guy went on vacation to Uganda and got infected by a bat.
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