Marburg Virus: Marburg virus disease (MVD) is caused by two viruses: the Marburg virus (MARV) and the Ravn virus (RAVV). Both of these viruses are in the genus Orthomarburgvirus marburgense. The case fatality rate for MVD can reach as high as 88%, but this rate can be cut down by a lot with quick and good patient care.
Orthoebolavirus is a genus of viruses, and both MARV and RAVV are in it. Orthoebolavirus is a subfamily of the filovirus family. Even though they are caused by different viruses, Ebola and Marburg diseases look and feel a lot alike. Even though these diseases don’t usually spread, when they do, they can kill a lot of people.
Once more, the deadly Marburg virus has surfaced, this time in Rwanda, raising concerns both domestically and internationally. Closely related to the more well-known Ebola virus, Marburg is notorious for its high death rate, which can range from 50% to 88%, and its ability to start outbreaks that can quickly turn disastrous if prompt action is not taken. Since the virus was first discovered in late September, 46 cases have been confirmed by Rwanda’s health ministry, and 12 deaths have been reported thus far.
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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced plans to test travelers from Rwanda for signs of the virus due to the severity of the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that although there is currently little risk to global health, this preventive action aims to stop any potential spread beyond the African continent.
Marburg virus’s name, symptoms, and origin
MVD was first found in 1967, after outbreaks happened at the same time in Belgrade, Serbia, and Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany. These outbreaks were linked to lab work with African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) that were brought in from Uganda.
Then, outbreaks and single cases were reported in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa (in a person who had just been to Zimbabwe), Tanzania, and Uganda. In 2008, two separate cases involving people who went to a Ugandan cave with Rousettus aegyptiacus bat colonies were reported.
Its symptoms start with sudden high fever, headaches, and nausea, but can quickly escalate to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and uncontrolled bleeding. The virus spreads to humans via prolonged contact with Rousettus fruit bats, typically found in mines and caves. Once a human is infected, it spreads through bodily fluids – blood, sweat, and even tears – meaning healthcare workers and those caring for the sick are particularly at risk.
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While neighboring Uganda has dealt with multiple Marburg outbreaks over the years, this is the first for Rwanda, which makes the response even more urgent.
Why are Rwandan tourists being tested?
It’s important to note that there is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Marburg virus. This highlights the critical need for early detection and containment to manage outbreaks effectively. To prevent any potential outbreak in the U.S., the CDC is testing travelers from Rwanda, especially those who may have been in contact with infected individuals or healthcare workers, upon their arrival.
Marburg has a history of surprising public health officials by emerging in unexpected locations. For instance, the first case in West Africa was reported in Guinea in 2021. Following that, Ghana experienced its own outbreak in 2022, while Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea had cases in 2023. Currently, Rwanda is facing one of the worst-known outbreaks, prompting health authorities worldwide to remain vigilant.
Is a Marburg vaccine available?
Put simply, not just yet. Rwanda has recently begun to distribute experimental vaccine doses, concentrating on the most vulnerable, including the aforementioned medical professionals, ICU personnel, and close relatives of confirmed cases. The vaccinations, which are partially funded by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, provide hope but do not provide a 100% guarantee.
Researchers from all over the world are working hard to create a stronger defense against Marburg, and this summer in the UK, a clinical trial utilizing technology from the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine started. However, as of right now, prevention is still the best course of action, and this includes closely monitoring any potential spread by foreign visitors.
