The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that a new global epidemic could soon begin in the world. The cause for serious concern is Marburg fever, a virus that is close to the Ebola virus. An outbreak of this disease has already been recorded in Rwanda, and researchers fear that it could spread throughout the world. The mortality rate from the Marburg virus can reach 88%, and, what is most frightening, scientists know very little about it. Let's figure out what is known about the Marburg virus at the moment and whether it could appear in Russia.
The world is at risk of a new epidemic. Image source: Wikipedia/Author: Sycophanta Duccius
Contents
- 1 What is Marburg virus
- 2 Marburg virus in Rwanda
- 3 How is Marburg virus transmitted
- 4 Symptoms of Marburg fever
- 5 Marburg virus vaccine
- 6 Is there Marburg virus in Russia
What is Marburg virus
Marburg fever is a rare but extremely dangerous disease that affects human internal organs. It spreads very quickly and has a high mortality rate. In its clinical course, it resembles Ebola fever and causes severe symptoms, including damage to the liver, stomach, intestines, and even the nervous system.
Marburg fever is a disease that has caused serious concern in the fall of 2024. Image source: indiatimes.com
The first outbreak of the disease was noted in 1967 in the German city of Marburg, which is why it got its name. The infection occurred in a laboratory where scientists were working with green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) brought from Uganda. However, these monkeys are not carriers of the virus – the true carriers of the virus are considered to be bats, which belong to the species Rousettus aegypti.
Bats have once again been found to be the carriers of a deadly disease. Image source: my-pet.store
Marburg virus in Rwanda
An outbreak of a deadly disease has recently been recorded in Rwanda, and it has already led to the deaths of several people. According to the WHO, six people have died, although some sources report eight victims. Among those infected were doctors – more than 70% of them worked in two hospitals in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali.
A visit to the home of a person suspected of being infected with Marburg virus in 2005. Image source: reuters.com
A total of 26 cases have been registered. Health workers are trying their best to find about 300 people who may have come into contact with the infected. Although the WHO assesses the risk of the virus spreading outside the region as low, they are concerned that one of the possible carriers of the disease has already left the country.
How is Marburg virus transmitted
Marburg fever is usually transmitted to humans through contact with bats that live in caves or mines. As mentioned above, these animals are natural carriers of the virus, and prolonged exposure to their colonies can lead to infection.
The deadly disease can even be transmitted through the personal belongings of an infected person. Image source: aljazeera.com
The virus spreads among people through contact with infected blood, secretions, or other body fluids of a sick person. The risk of infection is especially high for doctors who do not take strict precautions when caring for patients. The disease can also be transmitted through objects such as bedding or clothing if they have been in contact with infected people.
Symptoms of Marburg Fever
Symptoms of Marburg fever appear suddenly. The incubation period of the disease can be from two to twenty-one days, but once the disease begins, it progresses rapidly.
The first signs are a sharp rise in temperature, severe headache, and a feeling of extreme weakness. Patients often complain of muscle pain. Nausea, vomiting, and acute diarrhea may appear as early as the third day, which can last up to a week. At this stage, patients appear exhausted and apathetic, with deeply sunken eyes.
Symptoms of Marburg fever can lead to death. Image source: rg.ru
After five to seven days, the condition of many patients worsens: severe internal and external bleeding begins. Blood may appear in vomit, stool, and also from the nose and gums. Bleeding at the sites of vein punctures is especially dangerous, as it is difficult to stop. Symptoms of damage to the nervous system may also occur – confusion, irritability, and even aggression. In severe cases, the disease leads to shock and death eight to nine days after the first symptoms appear.
Read also: The rarest and most unusual diseases in the world
Marburg virus vaccine
There is currently no vaccine or specific cure for Marburg virus. The only thing doctors can offer is supportive care, which includes providing fluids and treating symptoms. This helps improve the chances of survival, but does not eliminate the virus itself.
There is no specific cure for Marburg disease. Image source: reddit.com
However, some hospitals may use experimental treatments. For example, doctors may use antiviral drugs that have previously been used to treat Ebola. There are also vaccines designed to protect against Ebola that may provide immunity against Marburg, but their effectiveness against the disease has not yet been proven.
Is there Marburg in Russia
According to experts, the probability of Marburg virus occurrence in Russia remains low. However, this does not mean that the situation remains unattended and uncontrolled.
Rospotrebnadzor is closely monitoring the outbreak in Rwanda and is taking the necessary precautions. Specialists are working at border checkpoints to check everyone arriving from countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation.
Only time will tell whether airports will need to be checked as thoroughly as during the coronavirus pandemic. Image source: reddit.com
In addition, Rospotrebnadzor has developed special test systems for detecting the Marburg virus, which allows for a prompt response to possible cases of the disease. Thus, despite the seriousness of the situation, the risks of the spread of the virus in Russia remain under control.
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It is important to note that in addition to this epidemic, there are other dangerous viruses that are important to know about. For example, the bird flu virus has recently infected thousands of cows in the US, raising new questions about its danger to humans. To find out how this happened and what the future may hold, read our article “Bird flu virus has infected thousands of cows in the US”.