On 27 September 2024, the Ministry of Health of Rwanda declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD). By 30 September, 27 confirmed cases, including 9 deaths, have been reported, with the majority of cases being healthcare workers. Additionally, over 297 contacts have been identified and are currently under follow-up monitoring.

What is Marburg virus disease?

Marburg virus disease is a highly contagious illness that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality rate reaching up to 88%. It belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. The disease was first recognized during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, in 1967, linked to lab work involving African green monkeys imported from Uganda. Since then, outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.

Who faces Marburg virus threat?

Individuals at risk of Marburg virus infection include various groups who may come into contact with the virus or infected animals. Here are the key risk factors:

• Close contact with Rousettus aegyptiacus African fruit bats or their secretions, especially for travellers visiting caves or mines in endemic regions of Africa.
• Individuals suffering from Marburg virus disease (MVD) can pose a risk to others around them.
• Non-human primates infected with the Marburg virus can also transmit the infection to humans.
• Family members and hospital staff with prolonged exposure to infected individuals, particularly without proper infection control measures, are at the highest risk.
• Occupations with potential exposure, such as veterinarians and laboratory workers handling African non-human primates, are also at risk.

What are the symptoms of the Marburg virus?

Symptoms of Marburg virus disease appear suddenly and typically include fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. Around the fifth day after symptoms begin, a maculopapular rash may develop, mainly on the chest, back, and abdomen. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen and may involve jaundice, pancreatic inflammation, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive bleeding, and multi-organ dysfunction.

Also Read: Rwanda confirms first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease with 26 cases

What causes Marburg virus disease?

Two related viruses, Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV), are responsible for Marburg virus disease (MVD). These viruses are also connected to the Ebola virus. Marburg virus disease is classified as a viral hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to damage to blood vessels and result in severe bleeding.

Treatment for Marburg disease

There is no specific treatment for Marburg hemorrhagic fever at this time. However, early supportive care, such as rehydration and treatment for symptoms, can help improve survival rates. While there isn’t a licensed treatment that can kill the virus yet, several blood, immunological, and drug therapies are being developed and tested.

Control and prevention of MVD

To manage a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak, actions such as event-based surveillance, effective laboratory services, and safe burials are essential. Establishing a surveillance system to prevent transmission, along with community engagement and health education campaigns, is vital. While research on wildlife transmission to humans is ongoing, avoiding contact with sick non-human primates and fruit bats is crucial. To prevent person-to-person transmission, avoid direct contact with MVD patients, and follow safety measures like wearing protective clothing and properly discarding contaminated materials.