Rwanda is currently battling its first outbreak of the highly virulent Marburg virus, with 11 reported deaths as of Thursday. The country is set to begin clinical trials of experimental vaccines and treatments in response to the outbreak.
What is the Marburg virus?
The Marburg virus belongs to the Filoviridae family, the same family as Ebola, and is known to be more severe than Ebola. It causes haemorrhagic fever, leading to internal bleeding which can be fatal.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of the Marburg virus include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, appetite loss, bleeding, and gastrointestinal issues.
How does the Marburg virus spread?
The Marburg virus can be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, with fruit bats known to carry the virus. The current outbreak’s source in Rwanda remains unknown.
What is the situation in Rwanda?
Rwanda has 36 confirmed cases of Marburg, with 25 individuals in isolation. Healthcare workers are the most affected group, and the country is closely monitoring 300 individuals who have had contact with known cases.
How dangerous is the latest Marburg outbreak?
WHO has assessed the risk as very high at the national level. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the Marburg virus, but efforts are being made to develop them.
How can you avoid catching Marburg?
Practicing good hygiene, limiting exposure to sick individuals, wearing masks, and not sharing food with potentially infected people are key ways to prevent infection.
Why are Marburg outbreaks becoming more frequent?
Factors contributing to the increased frequency of Marburg outbreaks include closer contact with wildlife, rising chronic health conditions, longer life expectancy with compromised immunity, and limited healthcare resources.