January 21st 2025.
It has been recently confirmed that there is a case of the deadly Marburg virus in Tanzania, just a week after authorities denied any outbreak. This virus, similar to Ebola, is highly contagious and can cause up to 88% of people to die without treatment. It used to be known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, and it can lead to uncontrollable bleeding, usually on the fifth day of symptoms. Unfortunately, most patients do not survive past the eighth or ninth day.
Needless to say, this is not something you want to be spreading. However, it is not uncommon and there have been a few dozen cases in the last two years. On January 14, the World Health Organisation reported a suspected outbreak in the Kagera region, where eight people had already died. This region shares a border with Rwanda, which had also recently experienced an outbreak. However, Tanzanian health officials quickly denied this, stating that tests on samples had come back negative.
Yesterday, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced that further tests had confirmed a case of Marburg, although 25 other samples were negative. This comes after Rwanda declared their own outbreak had been contained a month ago. It is the second outbreak in Kagera since 2023. The previous outbreak in Rwanda resulted in 15 deaths and 66 cases, with the majority of those affected being healthcare workers who treated the first patients.
So, how exactly is Marburg virus disease spread? It can be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces and materials. Most humans contract it from fruit bats, especially if they work in caves or mines where the bats reside. The World Health Organisation recommends that anyone working in these areas wear gloves and masks. During outbreaks, all animal products should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
The last widespread outbreak of Marburg occurred in 2005 in Angola, claiming 329 lives and having an 88% fatality rate. The virus was first discovered in 1967 in laboratories in Germany and Serbia. As for the symptoms, the incubation period can last from 2 to 21 days. The illness begins abruptly with a high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and exhaustion. On the third day, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting can occur, and some may develop a rash.
Around the fifth day, patients may start to experience bleeding, including fresh blood in vomit and feces, as well as bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina. The central nervous system can also be affected, causing confusion, irritability, and aggression. In rare cases, inflammation of the testicles may occur in the later stages of the disease. Unfortunately, death usually occurs between 8 and 9 days, often due to severe blood loss and shock.
Currently, there is no known cure for Marburg virus disease. However, early treatment and rehydration can significantly reduce the death rate. Scientists are working on vaccines and antivirals to combat the virus, but they are not yet ready for use. In the meantime, it is crucial to take precautions and follow the World Health Organisation's recommendations to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
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