About this topic
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is also called MHF. It is caused by a germ that may be found in some monkeys or bats. Experts do not know how animals and humans get infected by the germ that causes this illness. ‚
This type of germ can harm your white blood cells and blood vessels. You may also have problems with a low platelet count which can cause bleeding. Signs will appear 5 to 10 days after being exposed to the germ. The signs may get much worse and can cause death. ‚
There is no specific treatment for MHF. The doctor will treat your signs. Care will often include rest, fluids, and drugs to help control your signs. You may need help breathing and keeping up your blood pressure. You may need a blood transfusion if you have lost a lot of blood. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses off fluids each day to keep fluids up.
- Your doctor may tell you to take extra iron.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Practice good personal hygiene and proper hand washing. This can help prevent the spread of infection.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop bleeding and help the blood to clot
- Lower fever
- Keep your fluids up
- Ease headache
- Ease muscle and joint pain
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat foods high in iron. These include liver, clams, oysters, pumpkin, spinach, prunes, raisins, and apricots. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Very serious bleeding
- Liver problems
- Swelling of the testicles in men
- Kidney problems
- Eye problems
- Problems with the nervous system
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Practice good personal hygiene and proper hand washing. This can help prevent the spread of infection.
- Avoid close contact with sick or dead animals, especially bats and monkeys.
- If you are caring for a patient with MHF:
- Take good care of your health. Eat a healthy and well balanced diet.
- Wear a protective gown, gloves, and face mask.
- Practice proper disposal of needles, devices, and other materials used.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine.
- Headache
- Throwing up
- Chest pain or muscle pain
- Weight loss
- Feeling weak or lightheaded
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Seizures
- Too much bleeding
- Passing out or feeling faint
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how much fluid I should drink each day.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, headache, chest pain, or seizures.
Where can I learn more?
Center for Disease Prevention and Control ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/marburg/qa.htm ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/fact_sheets/fact_sheet_marburg_hemorrhagic_fever.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚