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Marburg Virus Disease (Bleeding Eye Virus)
Context
The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda has seen progress, and the World Health Organization (WHO) updated, that the 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over will begin if there are no new cases.
What is Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)?
- The Marburg virus is a deadly virus that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), also known as the ‘bleeding eye virus’ because one of its symptoms is bleeding from the eyes.
- The virus can also cause organ failure and death.
- The virus is mainly transmitted from fruit bats, and human-to-human transmission happens through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, vomit, or saliva.
- The virus is highly contagious and can spread directly through bodily fluids or indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces.
- Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease
- High fever
- Fatigue and body aches
- Watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps (starting around the third day)
- Non-itchy rashes (usually between the second and seventh day)
- As the disease progresses, bleeding starts, usually from the eyes, but can also occur from the nose, gums, and vagina. This bleeding is what gives the virus its common name.
- Other symptoms include confusion and disorientation, which can happen due to the virus affecting the brain. As the disease worsens, it can lead to multi-organ failure, which can be fatal.
- The virus is highly contagious.
- Diagnosis: The Marburg virus can be diagnosed using two main tests:
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
- RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for MVD. Instead, supportive care is provided to help manage symptoms, which includes rehydration, pain relief, and treatment for shock or other complications.
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