Rishika Shahi
Rwanda is currently grappling with a serious outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious and deadly disease similar to Ebola. Since the outbreak was declared just days ago, the country has reported eight fatalities and 26 confirmed cases. Health officials are urging the public to exercise caution as they work to contain the spread of this lethal virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment. Understanding Marburg’s symptoms and transmission methods is crucial for public safety during this crisis.
What is the Marburg Virus?
According to the World Health Organization, the Marburg virus is highly contagious and has a high death rate, ranging from 24% to 88%. The virus was first discovered in 1967 and connected to African green monkeys brought into Uganda.
The Marburg virus is a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. It is known for causing severe hemorrhagic fever with symptoms that can include high fever, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, death due to extreme blood loss. The virus is believed to originate from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Current Situation in Rwanda
As of now, Rwanda has confirmed 26 cases of the Marburg virus, with eight individuals succumbing to the disease. The outbreak has primarily affected healthcare workers across six districts in the country. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana emphasized that contact tracing and testing efforts are being intensified to curb further transmission.
In response to the outbreak, Rwandan health authorities are implementing strict public health measures, including isolating individuals who have come into contact with confirmed cases. Approximately 300 people are being monitored as part of these efforts. The public is advised to avoid physical contact and practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of infection.
Symptoms described
In the early stages of the infection, patients with the Marburg virus may have symptoms like a high fever, excruciating headaches, and muscle aches. Patients have reported experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and bleeding from different regions of the body, after three days.
“The appearance of patients at this phase has been described as showing ‘ghost-like’ drawn features, deep-set eyes, expressionless faces and extreme lethargy,” according to the World Health Organization. Between two and seven days, a non-itchy rash has also been observed in some patients. Within a week, some individuals may also experience severe hemorrhagic symptoms.
The Role of International Organizations
The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively supporting Rwanda’s response to this outbreak by providing expertise and resources. WHO’s Director-General has pledged assistance in controlling the spread of the virus, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in managing health crises. As this situation develops, ongoing monitoring and rapid response will be critical in preventing further fatalities and ensuring public safety.
Health officials state that in order to stop the illness from spreading, preventative measures such as avoiding close contact with sick people, avoiding eating bushmeat or coming into contact with pigs, routinely washing hands, and using hand sanitizer should be put into place.
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