This deadly virus has claimed almost 15 lives so far. Keep reading to learn the symptoms and prevention of this disease.
The world is dealing with another set of viruses that has almost claimed 15 lives so far. Marburg virus, also known as eye bleeding virus, is a hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal. It belongs to the Ebola virus family and has been spreading in Rwanda. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the case fatality rate is up to 88%, but can be much lower with good and early patient care, but is clinically similar to Ebola.
It was first detected in 1976. Those outbreaks were apparently associated with laboratory work with African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) imported from Uganda. Subsequently, outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, etc.
What is Marburg virus or bleeding eye?
This is a rare but fatal type of virus. It can cause hemorrhagic fever, damage blood vessels, and cause bleeding. It is zoonotic in nature and its origin dates back to bats.
Symptoms of Marburg virus
The incubation period can vary from 2 to 21 days according to the WHO.
- High and abrupt fever
- severe headache
- muscle pain
- watery diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- cramps
- Non-itchy rash in some cases.
- Nose bleeding, gums.
Early intensive supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms, may improve survival. There are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for EVM, the WHO reports.
Transmission
Once introduced into the human population, Marburg virus can spread through person-to-person transmission through direct contact (through wounds in the skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.
