Bleeding eye virus alert: Global spread, symptoms, and treatment - Should you be worried?
1/6
Marburg Virus: A global concern
The Marburg virus, also called the "bleeding eye disease," is causing worldwide alarm due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate. Transmitted through Egyptian rousette bats and contact with infected individuals, it has affected multiple countries, with Rwanda reporting 66 cases and 15 deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus’s fatality rate ranges from 24% to 88%, and it is known for causing severe symptoms like eye bleeding, fever, and multi-organ failure.
2/6
Symptoms progress in phases
Marburg virus disease (MVD) symptoms appear in stages. During the early phase (Days 1–5), patients experience high fever, chills, severe headaches, extreme fatigue, and muscle pain. In the intermediate phase (Days 5–7), symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, and a non-itchy rash. Severe cases progress to bleeding from the gums, nose, or injection sites, along with liver and kidney failure, jaundice, and neurological issues such as shock, coma, and multi-organ failure.
3/6
Treatment and recovery
Although there is no specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus, supportive care such as fluid replacement and symptom management significantly increases survival chances. Timely diagnosis, isolation, and contact tracing are crucial to containing the spread. With early medical intervention, recovery is possible, even in severe cases.
Amazon Top Deals
POWERED BY
Crompton Ozone 75 Litres Desert Air Cooler for home | Large & Easy Clean Ice Chamber | 4-Way Air Deflection | High Density Honeycomb Pads | Everlast Pump | Auto Fill| 3 Year Brand Warranty
₹9,798Buy Now43%
OFF
atomberg Studio Smart+ 1200mm BLDC Ceiling Fan with IoT & Remote | BEE 5 star Rated Energy Efficient Ceiling Fan | High Air Delivery with LED Indicators | 3 Year Warranty (Earth Brown)
₹5,903Buy Now36%
OFF
LG 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC3286BRUM, Black, 360° Motorised Rotisserie for Bar-be-queing, 301 Auto Cook Menu, Stainless steel cavity, Indian Cuisine, Tandoor Se, Steam Clean & Diet Fry)
₹19,340Buy Now19%
OFF
4/6
Modes of transmission
Marburg virus spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, sweat, or urine, from infected individuals. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces and materials like bedding or clothing. Additionally, contact with infected animals, especially bats and nonhuman primates, poses a risk of transmission.
5/6
Origin and history of the virus
The virus was first detected in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. These outbreaks were linked to African green monkeys imported from Uganda. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in countries like Angola, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania, often linked to prolonged exposure to bat colonies in caves or mines.
6/6
Preventing further spread
Once the virus enters the human population, it spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Public awareness, strict hygiene measures, and isolation protocols are critical in preventing future outbreaks. With proper precautions and timely medical intervention, the spread of Marburg virus can be effectively controlled.