Amidst the ongoing coronavirus epidemic and the threat of monkeypox infection at the global level, the risk of infection due to the Marburg virus is increasing in African countries these days. According to recent reports, 26 cases have been confirmed so far in the African country of Rwanda, and six people have also died due to this disease. Most of the infected are showing severe symptoms, which is increasing the concern of health experts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised all people to remain cautious given the risks of this increasing infectious disease.
Studies say that the nature of the Marburg virus is such that it makes it very dangerous in many cases. It is extremely infectious as well as its mortality rate has also been seen to be very high, which alerts health experts.
Is the whole world facing the threat of an infectious disease more dangerous than COVID-19? Are we all going to be hit by another epidemic? Let's understand.
Its outbreak has been seen before
This is not the first time that Marburg has raised the concern of health experts. Its outbreak has been seen from time to time since the year 2003. In February 2023, 16 people were infected and 12 died due to this virus in Equatorial Guinea. In the year 2012, 15 people were found infected in Uganda and four people died. At regular intervals, cases of mutation in the virus and an increase in infection due to it have been reported.
This virus is once again causing an outbreak in African countries, especially Rwanda.
Know the Marburg virus and its risks.
The disease caused by the Marburg virus is considered to be very fatal. Its outbreak has been occurring in some parts of Africa. It is transmitted through infected bats or by coming in contact with the fluids of the victim of an infected person.
Marburg is also considered a viral hemorrhagic fever. This virus damages blood vessels and causes bleeding. This is the reason why it has been considered very dangerous.
Its symptoms are more dangerous than corona.
For many reasons, the Marburg virus and the disease caused by it are considered more dangerous than coronainfection. Although its symptoms start like flu and corona, due to not getting timely supportive treatment, there may be a greater risk of it taking a serious form.
At the beginning of the infection, there are problems like fever, chills, severe headache-cough, muscle or joint pain, and sore throat. With increasing severity of infection, there may be problems of vomiting-diarrhea, nose-mouth, bleeding from the eyes, blisters, or rashes on the skin.
The mortality rate is the biggest concern.
Marburg virus has been considered more dangerous than corona and many other infectious diseases spread recently. Marburg is usually fatal, its average mortality rate is around 80%. Currently, the risk of death due to COVID-19 has been between 2.7 to 4 percent. Vaccines and supportive treatments are available to prevent COVID-19, however, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Marburg virus.
WHO has urged everyone to be cautious to prevent the virus and reduce its complications in those infected. Experts said serious attention should be given to clinical care and infection prevention-control.
(PC: Freepik)
