What is the Ebola-like Marburg virus that claimed eight lives in Rwanda?

The Marburg virus, a deadly Ebola-like virus, recently caused an outbreak in Rwanda that left eight people dead.

Marburg is a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever that belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus and is known for its severe symptoms and high mortality rate, according to the World Health Organization.

The virus was first identified in outbreaks in Germany and Serbia in 1967 and traced to African monkeys imported for research purposes.

It spreads from flying foxes, its natural host, to humans and can then be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with an infected person's body fluids, including blood, saliva or urine.

After infection, those affected experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

In severe cases, the virus causes internal bleeding, organ failure and shock, which is often fatal. The mortality rate can range from 24% to 88% depending on the burden and effectiveness of medical care.

In Rwanda, health authorities mobilized quickly to contain the spread of the virus, isolate patients and trace potential contacts. Given the similarities to Ebola, both in symptoms and mode of transmission, containment protocols are critical to prevent the outbreak from escalating.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccination against Marburg virus, which is why early supportive treatment such as rehydration and symptom management is essential to increasing survival rates.

Efforts are underway worldwide to develop effective treatments, but public health measures such as isolation, protective equipment and hygiene practices are now the best protection against the spread of the virus.

In February, more than 200 people were quarantined after nine people died from Marburg disease.