Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has raised global health concerns. Since its emergence, it has claimed at least 15 lives and infected hundreds more. The virus has spread across 17 African nations within a short span of two months. Health authorities have issued warnings to travellers regarding the risks associated with this virus and other infectious diseases in the region.

What is the Marburg Virus?

The Marburg virus disease, previously known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness. It is primarily linked to the Rousettus aegyptiacus, a species of fruit bat. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises it as a high-risk infectious disease due to its lethality and potential for human-to-human transmission.

Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease

The incubation period for the Marburg virus varies between two to 21 days. Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, patients may experience muscle aches, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. By the fifth day, severe haemorrhagic symptoms may appear, including bleeding from various body parts. Fatalities often occur between eight to nine days after symptoms begin, typically due to severe blood loss and shock.

Transmission Methods

The Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. This includes blood, secretions, and organs. Contaminated surfaces and materials, such as bedding and clothing, can also be sources of transmission. Healthcare workers are particularly at risk when treating infected patients. Additionally, traditional funeral practices that involve contact with the deceased can facilitate the spread of the virus.

Treatment and Prevention

Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for the Marburg virus. Supportive care is critical. Early rehydration and symptomatic treatment can improve survival rates. Preventative measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals and adhering to health advisories while travelling in affected regions.

Travel Advisory

Travel Health Pro, managed by the UK Health Security Agency, has issued advisories for travellers heading to affected regions. Countries listed include Rwanda, Burundi, and several others in Africa and South America. Travellers are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant against the spread of Marburg and other infectious diseases.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the transmission methods of the Marburg virus and its implications for public health.
2. Critically discuss the symptoms of Marburg virus disease and their impact on patient outcomes.
3. Estimate the effectiveness of current treatment options for the Marburg virus in improving survival rates.
4. Point out the role of traditional funeral practices in the spread of infectious diseases like the Marburg virus.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the transmission methods of the Marburg virus and its implications for public health.

1. Transmission occurs via direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals (blood, secretions).
2. Contaminated surfaces and materials (bedding, clothing) can also spread the virus.
3. Healthcare workers are at high risk when treating infected patients.
4. Traditional funeral practices involving direct contact with the deceased can facilitate transmission.
5. Public health implications include the need for strict infection control measures and health education to mitigate spread.

2. Critically discuss the symptoms of Marburg virus disease and their impact on patient outcomes.

1. Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and malaise, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
2. Progression to severe symptoms such as diarrhoea and haemorrhagic manifestations can occur by day five.
3. Fatalities often happen between eight to nine days post-symptom onset, primarily due to severe blood loss.
4. Delayed treatment response can worsen patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for early detection and care.
5. About symptoms is crucial for healthcare providers to implement timely interventions and improve survival rates.

3. Estimate the effectiveness of current treatment options for the Marburg virus in improving survival rates.

1. No approved vaccines or antiviral treatments exist for the Marburg virus, limiting options.
2. Early supportive care, including rehydration and symptomatic treatment, is vital for survival.
3. Timely medical intervention can improve patient outcomes, despite the lack of specific treatments.
4. Research into potential therapies is ongoing, but current effectiveness remains low without established protocols.
5. Awareness and education on early symptoms can enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce mortality rates.

4. Point out the role of traditional funeral practices in the spread of infectious diseases like the Marburg virus.

1. Funeral practices often involve direct contact with the deceased, increasing transmission risk.
2. Such practices may include washing or touching the body, which can expose mourners to bodily fluids.
3. Cultural beliefs surrounding funerals can hinder the adoption of safer practices to prevent virus spread.
4. Public health campaigns must address these cultural practices to mitigate the risk of outbreaks.
5. Education on safe burial practices is essential to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases like Marburg.