A dangerous outbreak of the Marburg virus, also known as the 'bleeding eye virus,' prompts a travel advisory.

The ongoing monitoring of the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, commonly referred to as the "bleeding eye virus," has raised concerns about a possible spread beyond the country's borders.

The U.S. government issued a travel advisory on November 22, urging travelers to exercise greater caution while visiting Rwanda due to the ongoing outbreak.

Rwanda may subject travelers to additional health screenings upon entering and exiting the country, according to the advisory.

What is Marburg virus?

Like Elbola, Marburg is a "rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever" with a 20% to 90% fatality rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In September, the first COVID-19 case was reported in Rwanda. As of November 29th, the country had recorded 66 cases and 15 deaths. The majority of those infected are healthcare workers.

According to the CDC, approximately 75% of patients with Marburg have recovered.

No confirmed cases have been reported in the US, and the CDC considers the risk of infection to be minimal.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, stated that Marburg is one of the most deadly viruses that infect humans.

"Like Ebola, it causes hemorrhagic fever."

Symptoms of the virus

Typically, initial symptoms of the illness resemble the flu, featuring fever, body aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

According to Siegel, the time frame between infection and symptoms is usually between two and 21 days.

The CDC stated that in severe cases, patients may experience extreme weight loss, jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging, and multi-organ dysfunction.

The "bleeding eye virus" can cause eye, nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

According to Siegel, the virus is transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, blood, and bodily surfaces.

The Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) is the primary reservoir for the virus, according to the CDC.

According to Siegel, there are no effective medications or immunizations available for Marburg.

With supportive care, medical providers can manage symptoms by providing oxygen, pain medications, and IV fluids for rehydration.

The doctor mentioned that there are other treatments being developed, including an experimental vaccine.

Typically, those who contract the disease die within eight to nine days of symptom onset due to blood loss, according to Siegel.

Despite the doctor's warning of the potential for intercontinental spread, he believes that the disease is not contagious enough to cause a widespread outbreak.

Prevention of Marburg

The CDC has provided guidelines on its website to prevent contracting the virus.

• Avoid contact with the bodily fluids of those who are exhibiting symptoms.
• Avoid touching objects that may have been contaminated with the fluids of an infected individual.
• Avoid contact with Egyptian rousette bats and non-human primates in regions where Marburg cases have been reported.

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According to the CDC, for a Marburg outbreak to be officially declared over, there must be a 42-day period without any new infections following the last recovered patient's two negative tests, 48 hours apart.

If no new cases are reported in Rwanda by Dec. 22, 2024, the outbreak will be considered over.