- Deadly virus from Rwanda reaches Germany
- Marburg virus rages in Rwanda
- Marburg virus mortality rates can reach almost 90%
Deadly virus from Rwanda reaches Germany
At Hamburg Central Station, federal police closed platforms 7 and 8 for several hours and passengers had to leave the platforms immediately. The chaos was reportedly caused by the presence of two passengers on a train from Frankfurt who may be suffering from the deadly Marburg virus.
According to the German media, the two people potentially infected with the Marburg virus are a 26-year-old German medical student and his girlfriend. The man and the woman boarded an ICE train from Frankfurt to Hamburg together on Wednesday afternoon. According to initial reports, they both developed flu-like symptoms during the train journey.
The man who may have experienced symptoms of the Marburg virus is said to have previously visited Rwanda, which is currently experiencing a major virus outbreak. There, the German had contact with a person who was later formally diagnosed with the disease. Following the closure of part of Hamburg Central Station, the possibly infected couple was taken to the University Hospital Eppendorf (UKE), where tropical diseases are specialized. The couple's luggage was also confiscated and isolated[1].
Around 200 passengers were still traveling on the same train as the people who may have the Marburg virus. The Federal Police are currently recording their details and investigating who was in contact with the two suspected infected passengers.
Marburg virus rages in Rwanda
In Rwanda, East Africa, the virus has already claimed the lives of 9 people and 27 more have been confirmed infected. The Rwandan Ministry of Health said that up to 300 people are being held as contacts of confirmed cases, isolated and closely monitored.
Rwandan authorities have already taken measures to control the spread of the Marburg virus in the country. Christian, Acting Director-General of the Butare University Teaching Hospital, announced that the new measures require health facilities to implement very strict protocols for the admission and treatment of patients with symptoms of the Marburg virus and comply with infection prevention and control measures.
According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, visiting hospitalized patients is prohibited for the next 14 days, and only one nurse is allowed to interact with the patient at a time. In the event of a death from Marburg, the Ministry has also banned family and relatives gatherings and processions of the deceased. A maximum of 50 people will be allowed to attend the funeral, and open coffins are strictly forbidden, whether in the home, in churches or in funeral homes.
Marburg virus mortality rates can reach almost 90%
Marburg virus (MARV) is a highly dangerous virus belonging to the filovirus family, including the Ebola virus. It causes a severe hemorrhagic fever known as Marburg virus disease. The virus first caused the disease in 1967 among laboratory workers in Marburg, Hessen[2].
The virus is spread by direct contact with body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, sweat or other secretions of the infected person. The virus can also spread through contaminated surfaces or objects such as tools, equipment or clothing. In the wild, the Marburg virus is found in bats, especially fruit bats.
Marburg virus is a sudden onset virus with the following symptoms:
- High fever;
- An extremely severe headache;
- Severe muscle pain;
- Fatigue;
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
After about a week, the course of the disease becomes more severe. Marburg virus then manifests itself in a severe haemorrhagic state, where the person starts bleeding from mucous membranes, the white of the eye or internal organs. In some cases, bleeding from the nose, gums, bloody vomiting or diarrhoea with blood are also present.
Marburg virus symptoms can be similar to other infectious diseases, so diagnosis often requires laboratory tests. Unfortunately, the mortality rates for this virus are extremely high and can range from 24% to as high as 88% or 90%, depending on the outbreak and the availability of treatment. The average mortality rate is usually around 50%.
In addition, there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine against the Marburg virus. Treatment is mainly symptomatic, which means that the aim is to alleviate symptoms and maintain vital functions, such as controlling dehydration, maintaining blood pressure and stopping bleeding.
To prevent infection with the Marburg virus, it is recommended that people observe personal hygiene rules and avoid contact with wild animals, especially their meat, feces, body fluids, and waste.
In healthcare settings, staff should strictly follow infection control procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and ensure compliance with regulations to prevent the spread of the virus between patients and healthcare staff. In addition, special protective measures must be taken even when burying a person who has died of the Marburg virus: direct contact with the corpse is a major factor in transmission.
