In the last few years, cases of infectious diseases have increased rapidly around the world. After the coronavirus infection that started in late 2019, monkeypox, Ebola, swine flu and bird flu put additional pressure on the health sector. Recent reports have raised concerns about another growing infection. According to reports, the outbreak of the Marburg virus is increasing rapidly in many African countries. Marburg is also known as 'bleeding eye disease', more than 15 people have died in Rwanda so far due to infection with this virus. In the last two months, this virus has spread to more than 17 African countries.
According to international media reports, public health officials around the world are monitoring the spread of this deadly virus and all people have been advised to keep taking measures to prevent infection. This virus has been spreading before as well, however, this time a new strain has emerged which has raised the concerns of health experts.
There are reports of it spreading rapidly from one person to another and causing fatal symptoms. More than half of the people affected by the infection die.
Its outbreak has been seen before as well.
This is not the first time that Marburg has raised the concerns of health experts. Its outbreak has been seen from time to time since 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.
One of the distinctive symptoms of this disease is bleeding from the eyes hence it is also called bleeding eye disease.
Its infection is more dangerous than corona.
According to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of Marburg virus disease (MBD) has been seen more in people who live in mines or caves for a long time. These places are inhabited by bats which are considered to be the main source of this virus.
Some reports say that the Marburg virus is more dangerous than corona and many other infectious diseases spread recently. Marburg is usually fatal, its average mortality rate is around 50%. The risk of death due to Covid-19 has currently been between 2.7 to 4 percent. Vaccines and supportive treatments are available to prevent COVID-19, although there is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Marburg virus.
Know about Marburg virus disease.
The disease caused by the Marburg virus is considered to be quite fatal. There has been an outbreak in some parts of Africa. There is a risk of its spread through infected bats or by coming in contact with the fluids of the victim of an infected person. Due to this, cases of bleeding have been seen more. Since this virus damages the blood vessels, there is a high risk of bleeding and death.
Symptoms and prevention of Marburg virus disease
MBD is generally considered rare. At the beginning of the infection, there are problems like fever, chills, severe headache, cough, muscle and joint pain. At the same time, in its severe stages, problems like stomach or chest pain, vomiting-diarrhea, bleeding in stool, and bleeding from the nose, mouth, and eyes have been seen.
Marburg virus spreads through contact with body fluids of infected humans or animals. To prevent the outbreak, the infected are kept in isolation. To avoid MBD, it is advisable to avoid close contact with patients, and take care of hand hygiene.
(PC: Freepik)
