Marburg virus, also known as ‘bleeding eye’ virus, has killed 15 people in Rwanda. The nickname “bleeding eye virus” comes from the severe symptoms of Marburg, which in severe cases can cause bleeding from the eyes, nose, or mouth.

It is a highly infectious pathogen of the filovirus family, closely related to Ebola virus.

It causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate, ranging from 24% to 88% depending on the outbreak and available medical care.

what are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Marburg virus disease usually appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain and malaise.

By the third day, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and vomiting often develop.

From the fifth day onwards, haemorrhagic symptoms may emerge, including fresh blood in vomit and stool and bleeding from the nose, eyes, ears, mouth, gums or vagina. Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles, has occasionally been reported in later stages.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some patients develop “ghost-like” features, marked by deep-set eyes and extreme lethargy.

In severe cases, death may occur after severe blood loss and shock, between eight and nine days after symptoms begin.

How is it transmitted?

Marburg virus is spread by direct contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or materials such as bedding and clothing.

Initial human infection often occurs through contact with fruit bats, which are the natural hosts of the virus. Human-to-human transmission is a significant concern during outbreaks.

Diagnosis requires advanced laboratory tests such as antigen detection, RT-PCR and virus isolation. Early and accurate diagnosis is important for prevention.

What is the treatment?

There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease.

Supportive care, including hydration, maintaining oxygen levels, and treating specific symptoms, can improve survival rates.

Experimental treatments such as monoclonal antibodies (vaccines) are under development.

How to stop it?

Prevention of Marburg virus disease includes avoiding contact with bats and infected individuals.

In health care settings, stringent infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are necessary.

Public health officials stress the importance of contact tracing and quarantine to contain the outbreak.

Efforts to improve diagnostic methods, treatment, and preventive measures are ongoing by the World Health Organization and other agencies.

Is there any vaccine?

Currently, there is no vaccine for Marburg virus disease.