Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever that damages blood vessels and causes bleeding
Suspected cases of the Marburg virus have been reported in the Kagera region of Tanzania, just months after alarms were sounded by doctors in neighbouring Rwanda. Previously flagged by the World Health Organisation as a “priority pathogen” with pandemic potential, it is an extremely serious and often fatal illness. "We are aware of 9 cases so far, including 8 people who have died," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. "We would expect further cases in the coming days as disease surveillance improves."
Like Ebola, the Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and spreads between people through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or with surfaces, such as contaminated bed sheets. According to experts, there is at present no way to cure it, though several vaccines and drugs are under development.
WHO said its risk assessment for the suspected outbreak in Tanzania is high at national and regional levels but low globally. There was no immediate comment from Tanzanian health authorities.
An outbreak of Marburg in Rwanda, first reported on September 27, was declared over on December 20. Rwandan officials reported a total of 15 deaths and 66 cases, with the majority of those affected healthcare workers who handled the first patients.
An outbreak in 2023 of Marburg in Kagera, which shares a border with Rwanda, killed at least five people.
What is the Marburg virus?
Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever that damages blood vessels and causes bleeding. While it may start like the flu, it often progresses to severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological issues.
Experts say two related viruses—Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV)—cause MVD. They are also related to the virus that causes Ebola. Marburg virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever, which can damage your blood vessels and cause severe bleeding.
Signs and symptoms of Marburg virus
Doctors say the symptoms of Marburg happen in two phases—the first showing signs that lasts five to seven days and includes:
- High fever
- Chills
- Severe headache
- Cough
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sore throat
- Rashes
While you may feel a little better for a day or two, the additional symptoms begin in the second phase, which includes:
- Chest and tummy pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Bloody poop or vomit
- Bleeding from your nose, mouth, eyes or vagina
- Confusion
Ways to prevent Marburg
It is important to take precautions to keep yourself safe from the virus, with a few steps that you take:
- Use protective equipment when caring for someone with the virus. Avoid touching any of their body fluids and wash your hands after contact, even if you wear gloves.
- Use condoms or do not have sex until tests confirm that the virus is not present in your semen.
- Avoid contact with anything that may have touched infected body fluids
- Avoid touching the body of someone who died from MVD or use protective equipment if you have to
- Avoid contact with fruit bats and nonhuman primates and the places they live
- Don’t eat bush meat - the meat of wild animals
- Isolate yourself from others if you could have Marburg
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
