Marburg virus (Photo: ANI)
The fatal Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has resulted in at least six deaths in the first such infection. National Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana said most of the victims were medical staff in hospital intensive care units.
As of Friday, 26 cases of the virus have been verified. About 300 people, mainly in Kigali, the country’s capital, are being monitored by authorities as potential virus carriers. The government is taking action to stop its spread, including through contact tracing, isolating affected individuals and launching public health awareness programs.
What is the Marburg virus?
Like Ebola, the Marburg virus is a highly contagious disease. According to the World Health Organization, the disease has a high mortality rate, which can range from 24% to 88% depending on the outbreak and medical response.
Marburg and Ebola viruses are both members of the Filoviridae (filovirus) family and are caused by different viruses, although the two are clinically similar. Marburg was first identified in 1967. This virus, which broke out simultaneously in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany and Belgrade in Serbia, was linked to African Ugandan green monkeys, causing 31 cases and seven deaths at the time.
How does the Marburg virus spread?
The Egyptian rousette fruit bat is the main vector of the Marburg virus, which can infect humans. The virus can also infect pigs and African green monkeys. People can contract the virus by coming into contact with:
• Bodily fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, etc.)
• Infected semen, which can remain infectious for months after recovery.
• Soiled bedding or surfaces.
How can I prevent Marburg virus disease?
• Keep away from blood and body fluids of sick people
• Stay away from semen from someone who has recovered from Marburg virus disease until testing shows that the virus is completely gone.
• Do not handle products that may have come into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Stay away from Egyptian rousette bats and non-human primates when in areas where Marburg disease is being sought.
What is the treatment for Marburg disease?
There are currently no approved treatments for Marburg disease. Treatment options are limited to supportive care, according to the CDC. This includes getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, controlling blood pressure and oxygen levels, and treating any secondary infections.
Should Indians be worried about Marburg virus?
Dr. Sushila Kataria, Director, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram, stated that the infection has been brought under control and Indians need not worry. “The virus is already under control, so Indians need not worry. Furthermore, if strict precautions are taken and followed to control infections, the spread can be controlled. The spread of the disease is limited because 30 to 80 percent of those infected die. The virus can spread through bats, their urine and/or their feces. It can also spread through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials. Fortunately, the disease does not spread through the air, which limits the spread.”
First publication: September 30, 2024 | 6:09 PM IST