A serious warning has been issued as the Marburg virus, nicknamed the ‘bleeding eye’ virus due to its severe symptoms, spreads rapidly across 17 countries. This deadly disease, which has a fatality rate of 50%, has already claimed 15 lives in Rwanda, where hundreds of people are suspected of being infected.
The global spread
Fears are growing that Marburg, alongside other dangerous diseases like Mpox and Oropouche, could turn into a global health crisis. Mpox, previously confined to five African nations, has now been detected in Burundi, Central African Republic, Kenya, Gabon and Uganda. Alarmingly, five cases have already emerged in the UK, including one today in Leeds in a traveler returning from Uganda.
Oropouche, meanwhile, has spread through midge bites in South America and the Caribbean, infecting more than 10,000 people in countries including Brazil, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.
Symptoms and risks of Marburg virus
The Marburg virus is particularly notorious for its horrific symptoms, including fever, severe headaches, and the characteristic bleeding from the eyes, nose, gums, and other body orifices. Victims often experience muscle pain, vomiting blood and internal bleeding. As the disease progresses, confusion, aggression, and even inflammation of the testicles may occur.
The illness usually begins with high fever, malaise, and muscle pain. On the fifth day, symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and heavy bleeding appear. These complications have led to deaths in several cases, especially in areas with limited health resources.
Concerns about Mpox and Oropouche
Mpox manifests itself with symptoms such as a severe rash, blisters, fever and swollen glands, with the rashes often lasting up to a month. The virus is highly contagious within households, making it crucial to avoid direct contact with the skin of infected people.
Symptoms of Oropouche usually appear within three to ten days after infection and include fever, chills, headache, joint pain and nausea. Although less deadly than Marburg, it still poses a significant health risk in affected regions.
Travel Warnings and Preventive Measures
Travel Health Pro has issued an advisory to travelers to use extreme caution, especially in areas where active outbreaks are occurring. Although cases of Marburg among travelers are rare, previous infections have been reported in people who spent time in caves or mines inhabited by bats.
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments for Marburg or Oropouche. People traveling to high-risk areas are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for advice.
Professor Susan Hopkins from the UK Health Security Agency stressed the importance of vigilance: “Mpox is highly contagious in close contact households. Travelers should take precautions to minimize risk. »
A Global Call to Action
As the virus continues to spread, health agencies around the world are ramping up surveillance efforts. Although the UK Health Security Agency has stated that the risk to the general public is low, the rapid spread of these diseases internationally highlights the need for increased awareness and preparation.
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