6 people died in Rwanda, what is this deadly infection? Should India be worried?

Marburg disease is a highly contagious infection similar to Ebola. It is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals.

Rwanda's Health Minister Sabine Sanzimana announced on Saturday that six people have died following an outbreak of the Marburg virus. Currently, about 20 patients, mostly healthcare workers, are undergoing treatment. Authorities are actively working to trace and test individuals who may have come into contact with infected people.

Let's understand what is causing this deadly infection that is causing a stir in Rwanda.

What is Marburg Virus?

Marburg virus disease is a highly contagious infection similar to Ebola. It can cause severe hemorrhagic fever and a mortality rate of up to 88%. It first occurred in 1967 and had fatal outbreaks in Marburg, Frankfurt, Germany, Belgium, Serbia.

The suspected host of the virus is believed to be the African fruit bat, which carries the pathogen without showing symptoms. Infection can be transmitted from bats to primates, including humans, and then spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Signs and symptoms

Patients with Marburg virus may experience:

• Muscle aches
• high fever
• Severe headache
• severe discomfort
• Severe watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• nausea
• Vomiting

Is there any treatment?

Currently, there are treatments for Marburg viral disease. However, some experimental treatments are underway to find an antiviral treatment for this virus.

Should Indians be worried?

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Sushila Kataria, director of internal medicine, Medanta, Gurugram, said the virus is under control and Indians need not worry. “The virus is already contained, so Indians need not worry. Additionally, if strict precautions are taken and followed to control infection, the spread can be controlled. The spread of the disease is limited as 30-80 percent of those infected die. The virus can be spread through bats, their urine and/or feces. It can also be spread through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials. Fortunately, it is not airborne, limiting its spread.”