Deadly Bleeding Eyes Virus Outbreak Spark Fears: 7 Warning Signs of Marburg Virus You Shouldn't Ignore
New Delhi: The Marburg virus, a rare but highly lethal pathogen, is causing widespread concern following recent outbreaks in Africa. Belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus, the Marburg virus is a member of the Filoviridae family and is known for causing severe hemorrhagic fever. Often referred to as the "Bleeding Eyes" virus due to its horrifying symptoms, it can lead to extensive internal and external bleeding, including bloodshot eyes, organ failure, and death.
First identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Germany and Serbia, the Marburg virus is believed to have originated in African fruit bats. The virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, such as bats or monkeys, or through exposure to the bodily fluids of infected individuals. With a mortality rate ranging from 23% to as high as 88% in severe outbreaks, the Marburg virus is among the deadliest diseases known to humanity.
In this article, we take a close look at the virus and how it affect the human body after evading the immune system.
As mentioned above, similar to the Elbola virus, Marburg (also known as the bleeding eye virus) is a "rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever" that is highly deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It has a 20% to 90% fatality rate.
Once infected, the virus rapidly multiplies, causing a cascade of life-threatening symptoms. Its ability to evade immune responses and induce widespread internal and external bleeding makes it exceptionally dangerous.
One of the hallmark symptoms of Marburg virus infection is conjunctival bleeding, where blood vessels in the eyes burst, causing the whites of the eyes to appear red or bloodshot. This striking visual symptom has earned the virus its nickname, the "Bleeding Eyes" virus.
However, this is just one of many symptoms. The virus causes severe hemorrhagic manifestations, including internal bleeding and bleeding from other orifices, which contribute to its high fatality rate.
Experts warn that recognizing the early signs of Marburg virus infection is crucial for controlling its spread and improving survival rates. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:
A sudden onset of high fever is one of the earliest signs of Marburg virus infection. The fever is often accompanied by chills and body aches, similar to symptoms of influenza or malaria.
Persistent and intense headaches are common, signaling the onset of neurological complications caused by the virus.
Muscle aches, joint pain, and debilitating weakness are prominent symptoms, making even simple tasks exhausting for those infected.
Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea, can lead to rapid dehydration and worsen the patient's condition.
By the fifth or seventh day of infection, many patients develop a non-itchy rash, often accompanied by other signs of hemorrhagic fever.
Uncontrolled bleeding, both internal and external, is a defining feature of the virus. This includes bleeding from the nose, gums, and puncture sites, as well as conjunctival bleeding (bleeding in the eyes).
In advanced stages, the virus can cause multi-organ failure, leading to shock and, ultimately, death in most severe cases.
The latest outbreaks of the Marburg virus have been reported in parts of Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to intervene with rapid response teams. Both countries are grappling with the virus's spread, particularly in remote and rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited.
Countries like the United States, UK, and China have issued travel advisories and are monitoring travelers from affected regions. Airports in several nations have strengthened screening measures to identify potential cases early and prevent the virus from spreading internationally.
The primary transmission of the Marburg virus occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, including blood, saliva, vomit, urine, or feces. Healthcare workers are at high risk during outbreaks, especially in settings with inadequate protective equipment.
Secondary transmission can occur through contaminated surfaces, needles, or medical instruments, making strict infection control measures essential in outbreak zones.
Are you at risk of catching this virus? Try to adopt these preventive measures to stay safe:
In order for a Marburg outbreak to be officially over, there must be a period of 42 days without any new infections after the last recovered patient has had two negative tests 48 hours apart, according to the CDC.
If there are no more new cases by Dec. 22, 2024, the outbreak in Rwanda will be declared over.
