The Marburg or “bleeding eye” virus has so far killed at least 15 people and infected hundreds of others in Rwanda, with the outbreak spreading to 17 African countries in the past two months.
An advisory issued by Travel Health Pro, run by the UK Health Protection Agency, warns travelers against the spread of Marburg in Rwanda, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Uganda, Bolivia. , Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama and Peru.
In addition to Marburg, the advisory also cautions against clade 1 and Oropouche fever, two other serious infectious diseases that have also spread in the above countries.
People traveling to these areas have been advised to exercise extra caution.
What is the “Bleeding Eye” Virus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Marburg virus disease, formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, as a serious and often fatal disease in humans. Rousettus aegyptiacus, a fruit bat of the family Pteropodidae, is known to be the natural host of Marburg virus.
symptoms
According to WHO, the incubation period (the interval from infection to the onset of symptoms) varies from two to 21 days. This includes high fever, severe headache and malaise. Muscle aches and pains are common symptoms. Diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, nausea, and vomiting are likely to begin on the third day.
From the 5th day of illness, patients may develop hemorrhagic manifestations, including fresh blood in vomit and stool and bleeding from the nose, eyes, ears, mouth, gums or vagina. Orchitis (inflammation of one or both testicles) has occasionally been reported in the late stages of the disease.
In fatal cases, death often occurs between eight and nine days after symptoms begin, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock.
transfer
“Bleeding eye” virus Human-to-human transmission through direct contact (via broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and surfaces and materials (such as bedding) Can spread through. Clothes) are contaminated with these liquids.
Health care workers have often become infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed Marburg virus. Funeral services that involve direct contact with the victim’s body may also contribute to the transmission of the virus.
Treatment
Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment approved for “bleeding virus”, but early supportive care and symptomatic treatment with rehydration may improve survival.
