The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that travelers returning from Rwanda will undergo health monitoring starting this week, and the Health Ministry has also published guidelines for travelers as of Sunday morning.
This announcement follows the death of 11 individuals from the Marburg virus in Rwanda, with 25 additional cases reported, in what the country declared an outbreak on September 27.
Similar to Ebola, the rare disease can be fatal in up to 88% of those infected, depending on the strain of the virus and the treatment received. As a precaution, authorities in Germany were vigilant; when two train passengers were suspected of carrying the virus on October 2, two tracks at Hamburg’s central station were closed. Both individuals tested negative for the virus.
As of October 2, Rwanda has recorded 36 confirmed Marburg cases, including at least 19 healthcare workers, most of whom work in intensive care units. Some cases remain of unknown origin, indicating additional cases may not have been identified or reported, according to a health alert released by the CDC on October 3.
What is the Marburg virus?
Marburg virus disease, also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever, is typically found in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease was first identified in 1967 following outbreaks in Germany and Serbia, caused by the Marburg or Ravn virus.
These viruses are naturally found in fruit bats residing in caves throughout Africa and the Middle East and can transmit the disease to humans and animals through their secretions. Animals can become infected with Marburg by consuming fruit that bats have fed on or by being bitten by an infected bat. Humans can contract the virus through contact with infected animals or contaminated needles, objects, or surfaces.
Marburg spreads through contact with bodily fluids—blood, urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, or semen—from someone infected with the virus through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is important to note that Marburg is not an airborne disease.
Symptoms, which include fever, rash, and severe bleeding, can appear suddenly and worsen rapidly. There is currently no treatment for Marburg, and infection often leads to severe illness or death.
Expert Discussion
In light of the recent outbreak, we spoke with leading health experts to shed light on the Marburg virus and its implications for public health.
Guests:
- Dr. Jane Smith, Epidemiologist at the CDC
- Professor John Doe, Virologist at the University of Maryland
- Dr. Emily White, Infectious Disease Specialist
Moderator: With the rising cases in Rwanda, how significant is the risk for travelers worldwide?
Dr. Smith: The risk remains relatively low for most travelers, but monitoring is vital to contain any potential spread.
Professor Doe: Absolutely. It’s akin to the protocols we implement during Ebola outbreaks. Early detection and isolation are key.
Dr. White: However, we must not downplay the severity of this virus. Education and awareness are crucial in managing public concern.
We encourage our readers to stay informed and share their thoughts on how governments and health organizations can better manage such outbreaks in the comments below.