Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak Raises Concerns of International Spread
Health officials are closely monitoring a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, which has sparked concerns about the potential for the deadly virus to spread outside the country.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory on November 22, recommending increased caution for those traveling to Rwanda due to the outbreak, noting travelers may face additional health screenings upon entering and exiting the country.
"Marburg is one of the deadliest viruses that infect humans,” said Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center. “It is very similar to Ebola in that it causes hemorrhagic fever.”
The initial symptoms of the virus often mimic the flu, including fever, body aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
The interval between infection and symptom onset can be anywhere from two to 21 days according to Siegel.
Marburg has a high fatality rate. The World Health Organization reports that fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks. There is no vaccine.
The first case in this outbreak was confirmed in Rwanda back in September. As of late November, Rwanda has reported 66 cases of the virus and 15 deaths. Notably, most infected individuals have been healthcare workers.
While there have been no confirmed cases within the United States, the CDC states the risk of infection domestically remains low.
"There are no adequate drugs or vaccines for Marburg," Dr.ራ
Transmission and Prevention
The Marburg virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals
The CDC advises a number of precautions to avoid contracting the virus. These include avoiding contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals, avoiding contact with items that may have come into contact with those fluids, and avoiding contact with Egyptian rousette bats and non-human primates in areas where Marburg cases have been reported.
The virus typically surfaces in Africa.
To be officially declared over, the current outbreak in Rwanda needs
If there are no more new cases by December 22, 2024, the outbreak in Rwanda will be declared over.
What are the potential consequences of international spread of the Marburg virus?
## Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak Raises Concerns of International Spread
**Interviewer:** Dr. Siegel, thank you for joining us today to discuss the concerning Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda.
**Dr. Siegel:** It’s my pleasure. This is a serious situation that warrants attention.
**Interviewer:** Can you explain why health officials are so worried about this outbreak?
**Dr. Siegel:** Marburg is a hemorrhagic fever virus, meaning it causes severe bleeding. [[1](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a63070264/marburg-bleeding-eye-virus-outbreak/)]It has a very high fatality rate, often exceeding 50%. This outbreak in Rwanda, with 66 confirmed cases as of late October, is a significant concern because of the potential for the virus to spread further, both within the country and internationally.
**Interviewer:** The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Rwanda. What should travelers keep in mind?
**Dr. Siegel:** The advisory recommends increased caution, and travelers should be prepared for possible health screenings upon arrival and departure. It’s crucial to follow any guidelines and recommendations from local health authorities and to practice good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing, to reduce the risk of infection.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the symptoms of Marburg virus, and how is it transmitted?
**Dr. Siegel:** Early symptoms resemble those of other infectious diseases like malaria or typhoid fever, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and chills. As the disease progresses, it can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure, and even death. Marburg is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals, including blood, saliva, and vomit.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Siegel, is there a treatment for Marburg virus?
**Dr. Siegel:** Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus. Supportive care, such as maintaining hydration and treating symptoms, is the current standard of care.
**Interviewer:** What steps are being taken to contain the outbreak in Rwanda?
**Dr. Siegel:** The World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with Rwandan authorities to provide support in terms of surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and clinical management. They are also working to develop vaccines and treatments for Marburg virus.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for shedding light on this important situation,
