What is Marburg virus that has spread in Rwanda? Is it fatal? What are its symptoms, prevention and cure?

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, which belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. First identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, as well as in Belgrade, Serbia, MVD has since been associated with outbreaks primarily in Africa, including recent cases reported in Rwanda.

Is Marburg Virus Fatal?

Yes, Marburg virus disease is highly fatal, with a case fatality rate ranging from 23% to 90%, depending on the outbreak and the quality of medical care provided. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that without proper treatment, many infected individuals succumb to the disease. Symptoms can escalate quickly, leading to severe complications and death within days of onset.

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Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus, with an abrupt onset that includes:

Initial Symptoms:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills

Progressive Symptoms:

• Rash on the chest, back, and stomach
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea (which can persist for a week)
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Severe weight loss
• Delirium and shock
• Hemorrhaging (bleeding from various body parts)

The disease's progression can lead to severe manifestations such as bleeding from the nose, gums, and other areas, often accompanied by high fever and confusion.

Transmission

Marburg virus is initially transmitted to humans through prolonged exposure to caves or mines inhabited by fruit bats, particularly Rousettus species. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, such as blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, urine, and feces. Healthcare workers are at high risk if proper infection control measures are not followed.

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Prevention

Preventing Marburg virus infection involves several key strategies:

• Avoiding Contact: Stay away from areas known for bat colonies or outbreaks.
• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands frequently and avoid contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.
• Protective Equipment: Healthcare workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients suspected of having MVD.
• Public Awareness: Educating communities about the risks associated with Marburg virus can help reduce transmission.

Cure and Treatment

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. Supportive care is crucial for improving survival rates. This includes:

• Rehydration: Patients are treated with oral or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Symptomatic Treatment: Managing symptoms such as fever and pain is essential.
• Research is ongoing into potential treatments, including blood products and immunotherapies. However, no licensed vaccine or treatment has been proven effective against MVD yet.

With recent reports of cases in Rwanda, vigilance is essential to prevent further spread of this deadly virus.