A deadly outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), often referred to as the “bleeding eye disease,” has claimed at least 15 lives and infected 66 others in Rwanda, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. This highly virulent pathogen has sparked significant global concern due to its high fatality rate and the absence of approved vaccines or treatments.

Understanding Marburg Virus Disease

MVD, caused by a filovirus closely related to Ebola, is recognized as one of the deadliest human pathogens. The disease’s case fatality rates in past outbreaks have ranged from 24% to as high as 88%, depending on the virus strain and quality of medical care provided.

The virus was first identified in 1967 during an outbreak in Marburg, Germany. While relatively rare, it has been responsible for multiple high-fatality outbreaks in Africa, with recent cases reported in Ghana, Tanzania, and now Rwanda.

Transmission and Symptoms

The Marburg virus is primarily transmitted to humans through prolonged exposure to Rousettus bats, especially the Egyptian fruit bat. Secondary human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals and contaminated surfaces or materials.

Symptoms appear 2 to 21 days after infection and include high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal distress such as abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. Advanced stages of the disease often involve haemorrhagic symptoms, including bleeding from the eyes, gums, digestive system, and other parts of the body. Fatalities are typically caused by severe blood loss and shock.

Response and Treatment Efforts

With no licensed vaccines or specific treatments available, care for MVD remains largely supportive, focusing on rehydration and management of symptoms to improve survival rates. Rwanda’s Health Minister, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has reported ongoing efforts to combat the outbreak, including the deployment of experimental vaccines. The US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute has provided 700 doses of its trial Marburg vaccine to protect frontline healthcare workers, although its efficacy is still under evaluation.

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Global Implications

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Marburg virus as one of the priority pathogens requiring urgent attention due to the lack of effective medical countermeasures. Given its potential for rapid transmission and high mortality rates, even regional outbreaks like the current one in Rwanda have raised international alarm.

Experts stress the need for global collaboration to develop effective treatments and improve outbreak preparedness. The ongoing outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of investing in research and healthcare infrastructure to combat emerging infectious diseases.

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