The Marburg virus, a highly contagious infection in the same family as Ebola, was identified in Ghana first. Their samples tested positive, and due to ambiguity and lack of treatment/cure, the two victims eventually succumbed at hospitals in southern Ashanti. In detail, the virus affects humans through fruit bats and spreads between individuals via the exchange of bodily fluids. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports Ghanaian officials and works with them to improve the chances of survival in our society through science. According to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Head of WHO (Africa), Marburg may spread rapidly if prompt action is not taken. Although there is currently no cure for the Marburg virus, physicians advise addressing specific symptoms and drinking lots of fluids to increase a patient’s chance of survival.

Close contacts of the ill person, including healthcare workers, are most at risk of contracting the infection. Some symptoms include headache, fever, muscular cramps, vomiting blood, and bleeding. For this reason, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a Public Opinion on Marburg Virus survey.

Highlights:

  • 45.15% believe the Marburg Virus can spread quickly
  • Even after Covid-19, monkeypox, and now Marburg Virus, 62.56% of respondents are vaccinated
  • 52.28% suggest government apply the same Covid-19 restrictions to stop the Marburg Virus from spreading
  • 12.77% think these viruses and diseases spread rapidly due to increased global travel

Public Opinion on Marburg Virus

First, the survey asks respondents if the Marburg Virus will cause another global pandemic. A majority of 45.15% believe the virus can spread quickly and will result in another pandemic. Similarly, 15.72% agreed that removing Covid-19 restrictions facilitates the transmission of the Marburg Virus. Meanwhile, 10.84% believe otherwise, since the virus can only be transmitted via close human contact or bodily fluids, unlike Covid-19. Lastly, 10.29% think the virus can spread because the treatment is still not determined.

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Figure 1: Percentage of respondents’ views on the impact of the virus

The survey seeking public opinion on Marburg Virus asks whether respondents are vaccinated. In reply, 62.56% say ‘yes, completely,’ while 19.61% are partially vaccinated, and 17.83% are still not vaccinated.

Next, the survey asks respondents if they are aware of the two Marburg Virus cases in Ghana that are now confirmed dead. Here, 59.99% are aware, while 20.41% have heard about it but are unaware of the details. Whereas 19.6% do not know about it.

Respondents on Marburg Virus Outbreak

As for Marburg Virus, the survey asks respondents if it’s less dangerous than Covid-19. All 51.11% believe the virus is less dangerous than Covid-19, whereas 14.85% think it’s more dangerous. Meanwhile, 11.2% feel the virus is similar to in consequences of Covid-19.

Marburg-Virus-outbreak
Figure 2: Percentage of respondents on Marburg Virus outbreak

Following that, the survey asks respondents about the virus status in their area of residence. Here, 49.31% have no such cases where they reside. Similarly, 15.1% have none, but masks remain mandatory. Others (11.26%) require PCR tests and vaccination cards, and a distinct (9.73%) have no social distancing restrictions.

Likewise, the survey asks respondents if they will get vaccinated if a Marburg Virus vaccine is developed. A whopping 72.55% said yes, and 27.45% replied no.

Also Read: 64% Consider Getting Vaccinated Against Monkeypox

Ways to Stop The Spread of Marburg Virus

The survey also asks, “If transmitted from direct human contact, how can we stop the spread of the Marburg Virus?” Majorly, 52.28% suggest applying the same Covid-19 restrictions, and the other 21.29% advise maintaining social distancing. Moreover, 14.71% believe the government should instruct local authorities to educate about the risks and modes of transmission of the virus. In comparison, 10.82% think people should be tested for Ebola to determine similar symptoms.

ways-to-stop-the-spread-of-the-virus
Figure 3: Respondents’ opinion on ways to stop the spread of the virus

Similarly, the survey asks what the government should do to stop this virus’s spread. Most respondents (41.49%) say ‘announce a new lockdown/curfew’, and 15.7% think the government should enforce vaccination drives for all. While 10.97% want the government to work with WHO, others (10.61%) suggest educating the public about the virus.

Lastly, the survey asks why is there a rapid outbreak of viruses and diseases recently. All 43.94% replied it’s due to low immunity and health standards, and 12.77% think it’s due to increased global travel. Moreover, 12.74% say it’s caused by low maintenance of hygiene and sanitation, whereas 8.41% think Urbanization caused it. In comparison, 8.19% feel it is a conspiracy to damage rivaling countries.

Methodology

Survey TitleSurvey: Public Opinion on Marburg Virus
DurationJuly 26 – August 02, 2022
Number of Participants30,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.