Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda Raises Global Health Concerns

The deadly virus, also known as 'bleeding eye disease,' has caused 15 deaths, prompting travel advisories and vaccine trials.

The Marburg virus, a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease related to Ebola, has infected 66 people and caused 15 deaths in Rwanda as of late November 2024.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, and bleeding from orifices such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with a mortality rate ranging from 24% to 88%.
The World Health Organization and health agencies have issued travel warnings for 17 countries, advising precautions to avoid contact with infected individuals and wildlife.
The virus is primarily transmitted through fruit bats and human-to-human contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials, with no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments currently available.
A clinical trial for a potential vaccine has been initiated in Rwanda, targeting healthcare workers, while supportive care remains the primary treatment option.