Everything You Need To Know About The Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak

Rwanda is currently in the midst of an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. Multiple reports indicate that the virus has already killed at least 12 people in the east African country, most of them health workers. The health minister of Rwanda recently announced that the country will begin clinical trials of experimental vaccines and treatments.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. Notably, it is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. The disease is named for the German city where scientists became ill with the disease's first known cases in 1967. People with Marburg usually start getting sick 2–21 days after they were infected with the virus. 

WHO says that early symptoms can arise quickly after infection and may include high fever, chills, severe headaches, and severe tiredness. Muscle aches and pains are also common early symptoms. In later stages of the disease, bleeding from various sites such as the gums, nose, and anus can occur. Patients can suffer shock, delirium, and organ failure. 

People are initially infected with the Marburg virus when they come in close contact with Rousettus bats, a type of fruit bat that can carry the Marburg virus. Between humans, the virus is mainly transmitted through contact with the body fluids of infected people. It can spread through direct contact with body fluids. It should be noted that the virus is not airborne. However, there is currently no available treatment for Marburg. 

Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the latest outbreak of the Marburg virus on September 27. The source of the virus is still unclear. However, the outbreak has only been reported in Rwanda so far. According to a BBC report, the country's administration is planning to introduce travel restrictions along with temperature checks at departure points.