Rwanda is grappling with its first-ever outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus, which has claimed at least six lives, including healthcare workers in Kigali. Since Friday, 26 cases have been confirmed, and authorities are tracking around 300 people who may have been exposed. To prevent further spread, the government has implemented contact tracing, quarantines, and public health campaigns.
What Is the Marburg Virus?
The Marburg virus is a highly infectious and deadly disease, closely related to Ebola. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fatality rates can range from 24% to 88%, depending on the outbreak and available healthcare. The virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, which resulted in 31 infections and seven deaths. The outbreak was linked to African green monkeys imported from Uganda.
How Does It Spread?
The Egyptian rousette fruit bat is the primary carrier of the Marburg virus, which can also be transmitted to humans via African green monkeys and pigs. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with:
•Bodily fluids like blood, saliva, and vomit
•Contaminated bedding or surfaces
•Infected semen, which remains infectious for months after recovery
Symptoms of Marburg Virus
Symptoms appear suddenly and can include:
•High fever
•Severe headaches
•Muscle pains
After around three days, patients may experience:
•Watery diarrhea
•Stomach pain
•Vomiting
•Bleeding from various parts of the body
WHO describes patients at this stage as having “ghost-like” features, with deep-set eyes, expressionless faces, and extreme lethargy. Death from extreme blood loss and shock can occur within eight to nine days of symptom onset.
Current Control Measures
•To control the outbreak, health authorities recommend:
•Avoiding physical contact with infected individuals
•Regular hand washing with soap or using sanitizers
•Avoiding bushmeat and contact with pigs in affected areas
The WHO is providing support to Rwanda in managing the outbreak, but there are currently no specific treatments or vaccines for the Marburg virus. Supportive care, including fluid replacement and blood transfusions, can help manage symptoms. Researchers are working on developing blood products, drug therapies, and immune treatments to combat the virus.
As the situation unfolds, public health measures and awareness are crucial in controlling the spread of this deadly virus.
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