6 died in Rwanda. What kind of deadly infection is this? Should India be worried?

Marburg disease is an extremely contagious infection, similar to Ebola. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people.

Rwanda's Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced on Saturday that six people had died as a result of an outbreak of the Marburg virus. Around 20 patients, mostly medical staff, are currently being treated. Authorities are actively working to trace and test people who may come into contact with the infected.

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

What is the Marburg virus?

Marburg virus disease is an extremely contagious infection, similar to Ebola. It can cause severe hemorrhagic fever and has a mortality rate of up to 88%. It first appeared in 1967 and caused deadly outbreaks in Marburg, Frankfurt, Germany, Belgium and Serbia.

The suspected host of the virus is believed to be an African flying fox, which carries the pathogen without showing any symptoms. Transmission can occur from bats to primates, including humans, and then spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids from infected individuals.

Signs and symptoms

Patients suffering from Marburg virus may experience:

• Muscle pain
• high fever
• severe headache
• severe malaise
• severe watery diarrhea
• stomach pain
• cramps
• nausea
• Vomit

Is there any treatment?

There is currently a cure for Marburg viral disease. However, certain experimental therapies aim to provide antiviral treatment for this virus.

Should Indians be worried?

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Sushila Kataria, director of internal medicine in Medanta, Gurugram, said the virus has been contained and there is no reason for Indians to worry. “The virus has already been contained, so there is no need for Indians to worry. Additionally, the spread can be controlled if strict infection control precautions are taken and followed. The spread of the disease is limited, with 30-80 percent of those infected dying. The virus can spread through bats, their urine and/or their excrement. Spread can also occur through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials. Fortunately, it does not spread through the air, which limits its spread.”