What Is Marburg Virus? Symptoms of Deadly Bleeding Eye Virus You Should Know

Marburg Virus: What is this deadly bleeding eye virus that is spreading rapidly across Tanzania and has made WHO issue an alarm. Read on to know all about it.

Marburg Virus: Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The virus belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus is also known by the name 'bleeding eye' virus which is highly infectious and comes with the ability to trigger a pandemic-like situation globally. In this article, we tell you more about the Marburg virus, its origin, and the symptoms associated with it.

What Is Marburg Virus?

Marburg virus disease or MVD is a highly transmissible and infectious virus that comes from the the same family as the Ebola virus. First discovered in 1967 in parts of Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia, this virus is also known as the 'bleeding eye' virus due to the strange symptoms that it can cause.

MVD is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that is known for its extremely high fatality rate, which can range from 24% to 88% depending on the place of the outbreak.

How Is It Transmitted?

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), the primary source of the Marburg virus is the fruit bats (that were responsible for the SARS-CoV2 virus outbreak) of the Pteropodidae family, particularly the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). Human infections often occur through prolonged exposure to bat colonies in caves or mines.

Once the virus is introduced to humans, it spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, vomit, or urine of an infected individual. It can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces and materials like bedding and clothing.

Marburg Virus Symptoms to Watch For

MVD symptoms typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and include:

1. High fever
2. Severe headache
3. Muscle pain
4. Vomiting and diarrhea
5. Abdominal pain
6. Unexplained bleeding (internal and external)

Without timely medical intervention, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to organ failure and death.

How To Prevent Marburg Virus From Infecting You?

Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Marburg virus. However, supportive care, such as rehydration and managing symptoms, significantly improves survival chances. Experimental treatments and vaccines are under development and have shown promise in preclinical and early clinical trials.

1. To reduce the risk of infection, the public is advised to:
2. Avoid contact with fruit bats and their habitats
3. Practice strict hygiene, including frequent handwashing
4. Avoid close contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids

The Marburg virus represents a serious public health challenge due to its high mortality rate and ease of transmission. While the current outbreak has raised concerns, staying informed and following prevention guidelines can help mitigate the risk to individuals and communities alike.