Marburg virus, a relative of the Ebola virus, is a highly infectious and potentially deadly disease that naturally occurs in fruit bats.
It’s can be transmitted from human to human contact with bodily infected fluids.
Contaminated clothing and beddings can also transmit virus.
The virus is not airborne there by making control easier
Symptoms and Incubation
- Develops within 3 weeks of exposure.
- Begins with rash and fever.
- Followed by vomiting, severe headache, and muscle aches.
- Severe cases: bleeding from nose, gums, and eyes, and internal bleeding.
The illness typically starts with a rash and fever. People may vomit and have a severe headache and muscle aches. In severe cases, infected individuals may bleed from the nose, gums and eyes, and internal bleeding manifests as blood in vomit, urine and stool. Severe blood loss can cause shock and death.
RWANDA BATTLE MARBURG
Rwanda is facing its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a rare and deadly hemorrhagic disease similar to Ebola. With a fatality rate of 88%, this outbreak has already infected 26 people, with eight reported deaths and 18 undergoing treatment, according to Rwanda’s health ministry .
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are stepping in to support Rwanda’s response. The WHO is sending a team of seven global experts in hemorrhagic disease, while the CDC is providing experts to aid in testing and contact-tracing efforts.
Fortunately, Rwanda has a robust public health system, which the WHO believes will help contain the outbreak quickly. The government is urging citizens not to panic, as they’ve identified the disease hotspots and are taking measures to prevent further spread .
With international support and Rwanda’s strong public health system, efforts are underway to contain and stop the outbreak.
Scientists are working to develop vaccines and treatments, but currently, supportive care consists of rest and fluids.
Leave a Reply