Forty-Five Years of Marburg Virus Research

Brauburger, Kristina; Hume, Adam J.; Mühlberger, Elke; Olejnik, Judith

Biosafety and epidemiological efforts alone were not sufficient for efficient outbreak control during large outbreaks, emphasizing the need for additional psychosocial support of the affected communities [53] . The fast progression and high lethality rates associated with MVD even-and especially-after hospital admission resulted in a high level of fear and suspicion by the resident population. The fact that health care workers wearing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) were fully masked and not identifiable further increased anxiety (Figure 3b ). This resulted in the hiding of infected family members and verbal and in some cases physical aggression towards members of aid organizations [53] . Communicating necessary protective measures while respectfully considering the affected families' and communities' traditions and culture during ongoing outbreaks is therefore essential for successful outbreak management.