Marburg disease is an extremely contagious infection, similar to Ebola. It is transmitted by direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected people.
Rwanda’s Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced on Saturday that six people have died following an outbreak of the Marburg virus. Currently, about 20 patients, mostly healthcare workers, are receiving treatment. Authorities are actively working to trace and test people who may come into contact with those infected.
Let us understand what is this deadly infection that is causing a stir in Rwanda.
What is Marburg virus?
Marburg viral disease is an extremely contagious infection, similar to Ebola. It can cause severe hemorrhagic fever and has a mortality rate that can reach up to 88%. It first occurred in 1967 and has caused deadly outbreaks in Marburg, Frankfurt, Germany, Belgaria and Serbia.
The suspected host of the virus is believed to be the African fruit bat, which carries the pathogen without showing symptoms. Transmission can occur from bats to primates, including humans, and then spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected individuals.
Signs and symptoms
Patients suffering from Marburg virus may experience:
- muscle pain
- high fever
- intense headache
- severe discomfort
- severe watery diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
Is there any treatment?
Currently, there is a cure for viral Marburg disease. However, certain experimental therapies are being pursued to find antiviral treatment for this virus.
Should Indians care?
Speaking to IANS, Dr Sushila Kataria, Head of Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram said the virus has been contained and there is no need to worry for Indians. “The virus has already been contained, so Indians have nothing to worry about. Additionally, if strict infection control precautions are taken and followed, the spread can be controlled. The spread of the disease is limited because between 30 and 80 percent of those infected die. The virus can be transmitted through bats, their urine and/or their excretions. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials. Fortunately, it does not spread through the air, which restricts its spread.”
