A deadly outbreak of Marburg virus has claimed 10 lives in Rwanda, with 29 confirmed cases, according to the nation’s health ministry on Tuesday. The country recently declared an official outbreak of this highly infectious and often fatal hemorrhagic fever, which bears a resemblance to Ebola. There is no approved vaccine or dedicated treatment available for Marburg.
“Marburg is a rare affliction,” stated Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana on Sunday. “We are intensifying efforts in contact tracing and testing to curb the virus’s transmission.” He further added that the exact origin of the outbreak remains undetermined.
Historically, Marburg outbreaks have occurred in nations including Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana, as documented by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Understanding Marburg Virus
Much like its viral relative Ebola, the Marburg virus is believed to originate from fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission happens through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or via contaminated objects, including soiled linens, clothing, medical instruments, or needles. However, unlike many contagious diseases, Marburg does not spread through airborne droplets, according to WHO.
First identified in 1967, the virus caused simultaneous outbreaks in laboratory settings in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. During these outbreaks, seven fatalities were recorded among researchers exposed to the virus while working on monkeys.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Marburg’s initial symptoms often include fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, and a rash. As the illness progresses, more severe symptoms such as chest pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and unexplained bleeding or bruising may arise.
WHO adds that in advanced stages, bleeding can occur from various orifices, such as the gums, nose, or rectum. Patients may suffer from shock, delirium, and multiple organ failure as the virus overwhelms the body. The mortality rate can be as high as 88% for those infected if left untreated.
Symptoms typically emerge between three days and three weeks after infection, Health Minister Nsanzimana emphasized.
Currently, no authorized vaccines or specific therapies exist to treat Marburg virus, making early detection, isolation, and supportive care crucial in managing the outbreak.
This ongoing situation in Rwanda underlines the importance of global vigilance regarding emerging infectious diseases, as the world remains vulnerable to future outbreaks. As authorities work tirelessly to contain this dangerous virus, the need for public awareness and robust health systems remains as critical as ever.