Rwanda Marburg virus disease outbreak: What you should know?

Rwanda Marburg virus disease outbreak have caused 11 deaths and known as a rare and deadly disease.

What is Marburg virus?

The Marburg virus was first detected in 1967, when haemorrhagic fever continued to occur in the laboratories in German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt. The virus was stemming from the African Green Monkeys imported from Uganda. The Marburg virus is the pathogen causing disease in humans.

According to the World Health Organisation, the disease show similar clinical signs of the Ebola although caused by a different virus. Rwanda Marburg virus disease outbreak although having low fertility rates known to be deadly. The fatality rates are to range from 24 to 88 percent, and it depends on the level of exposure.

At the moment medical professionals have not been able to come up with a vaccine. However, patients remaining hydrated can severely improve symptoms, increasing their chance of survival.

The symptoms occurring in Marburg virus

Several symptoms associated with the Rwanda Marburg virus disease outbreak. These symptoms include;

• Severe viral hemorrhagic fever
• severe headache
• severe malaise
• Inability for blood to clot
•  Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Lethargy
• Bleeding through vomit or faeces or other body parts

The virus non-contagious especially during the period of incubation. However, patients that are severely ill die with a week of contraction.

Conclusion

Precautions to be taken to remain safe from the virus. Staying hydrated can improve the onset of symptoms. The virus said to have high casualty rate although with no vaccines in the market.

Key Points

• The Marburg virus, first detected in 1967, causes a rare and deadly hemorrhagic fever, with fatality rates ranging from 24 to 88 percent.
• Symptoms of the virus include severe headaches, muscle aches, bleeding, and inability for blood to clot, often leading to death within a week for severely ill patients.
• There is no vaccine for Marburg virus yet, but staying hydrated can significantly improve symptoms and increase survival chances.