Which patients with suspected Marburg Virus Disease should be referred urgently to a specialist, and what information should accompany the referral?

Patients with suspected Marburg Virus Disease should be referred urgently to a specialist if they present with symptoms suggestive of severe viral haemorrhagic fever, including fever, bleeding, bruising, or unexplained rashes, especially if there is a relevant travel or exposure history. Such patients require immediate specialist assessment due to the high risk of rapid deterioration and the need for specialist infection control measures.

The referral should include the following information:

• Patient demographics and contact details.
• Detailed clinical presentation including onset and progression of symptoms such as fever, bleeding, bruising, rash, and any neurological symptoms.
• Relevant travel history or exposure to endemic areas or known cases.
• Any laboratory or diagnostic test results available.
• Details of any treatment already given.
• Infection control concerns and precautions taken.

This ensures the specialist team can prepare appropriate isolation and management plans promptly.