Rwanda is dealing with its first outbreak of deadly Marburg virus disease
Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda #
For the first time, Rwanda is facing an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a rare and deadly hemorrhagic illness similar to Ebola. Unlike Ebola, there are no treatments or vaccines available for Marburg, and it has a fatality rate of 88%.
The current outbreak has affected 26 people, with 18 in treatment and 8 fatalities reported. The virus has spread to seven of the country’s 30 districts. Over 100 individuals who have had contact with infected people are being monitored or isolated. Many of those infected are healthcare workers.
International health organizations are deploying teams of experts in hemorrhagic diseases to Rwanda to provide guidance and support for public health efforts on the ground. These teams will assist with testing and contact-tracing efforts.
The risk to individuals outside of Rwanda, particularly in the United States, is considered low. Rwanda’s public health system is reported to be robust, which may aid in controlling the outbreak.
Rwandan authorities are encouraging people not to panic and to continue with their daily activities, as they believe they have identified all disease hotspots and are taking appropriate action to prevent further spread.
About Marburg Virus #
Marburg virus is an orthomarburgvirus that naturally occurs in fruit bats. It belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. The virus spreads from human to human through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. It can also spread through handling a patient’s clothing or bedding.
Unlike airborne viruses, Marburg does not spread through the air, which makes it somewhat easier to control.
Symptoms can take up to three weeks to develop after exposure. The illness typically begins with a rash and fever, followed by vomiting, severe headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, infected individuals may experience bleeding from various body parts and internal bleeding. Severe blood loss can lead to shock and death.
Currently, supportive care consisting of rest and fluids is the primary treatment approach, as no specific treatments or vaccines are available. Scientists are working to develop these interventions.