Marburg disease is an extremely contagious infection, similar to Ebola. It spreads through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, announced on Saturday, that six people have died following an outbreak of the Marburg virus. Currently, around 20 patients, mostly healthcare workers, are receiving treatment. Authorities are actively working to trace and test individuals who may come into contact with those infected.
Let’s understand what is this deadly infection causing stir in Rwanda.
What is Marburg virus?
Marburg viral disease is an extremely contagious infection, similar to Ebola. It can lead to severe hemorrhagic fever and has a mortality rate that can reach upto 88%. It first occurred in 1967 and has caused deadly outbreaks in Marburg, Frankfurt, Germany, Belgaria, Serbia.
The suspected host of the virus is believed to be African fruit bat, carrying pathogen without showing symptoms. Transmission can occur from bats to primates, including humans and then spread through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Signs and Symptoms
Patients suffering from Marburg virus may experience:
- Muscle pain
- high fever
- intense headache
- severe malaise
- severe watery diarrohea
- abdominal pain
- cramping
- nausea
- vomiting
Is there any treatment?
Currently, there are is cure for the Marburg viral disease. However, certain experimental therapies are going on to find the antiviral treatment of this virus.
Should Indians be Worried?
Speaking to IANS, Dr Dr Sushila Kataria, Director, of Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram said that the virus has been contained and there is no need to worry for Indians. “The virus has already been contained, so there is no need for Indians to worry. Additionally, if strict precautions to control infections are taken and followed, then the spread can be controlled. The disease’s spread is limited because 30-80 per cent of those infected die. The virus can spread through bats, their urine, and/or their excretions. It can also spread through direct contact with infected people’s blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials. Fortunately, it doesn’t spread through the air, restricting its spread.”