German emergency personnel in full protective gear shut down two railroad tracks at Hamburg’s central station on Wednesday after two passengers were suspected of having contracted the deadly Marburg virus.
A 26-year-old medical student and his girlfriend developed flu-like symptoms while on a train from Frankfurt, according to local reports. The train was evacuated after health authorities suspected they had contracted the Marburg virus – a rare disease that has a fatality rate as high as 88 per cent.
The suspicion arose because the student had recently arrived by plane from Rwanda, where he had been in contact with a patient later diagnosed with the virus, local media reported. The passengers later tested negative for the deadly and contagious virus.
But the emergency response raises the question: what if it had been Marburg?
Rwanda is currently grappling with an outbreak that began Sept. 27. According to the health ministry, the death toll has risen to 11, with at least 36 confirmed cases.
“Marburg virus is a very severe infection. It’s found in Africa and it’s very similar to the Ebola virus,” explained Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital.
“We know there’s been periodic outbreaks of Marburg virus for the last few decades. Whenever there’s an outbreak of this, it’s taken extremely seriously because it can be potentially fatal in a short period of time.”
While the situation in Hamburg was ultimately a false alarm, Bogoch said local and international health agencies are staying vigilant as the outbreak in Rwanda progresses.
Here’s what you need to know about the virus.
Marburg is a virus from the same family as Ebola.
It causes hemorrhagic fever and has an average fatality rate of 50 per cent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), although rates have been as high as 88 per cent in previous outbreaks.
Symptoms typically include a sudden high fever and extreme headache, as well as vomiting and diarrhea, followed by uncontrolled bleeding.
How does Marburg virus spread?
The virus spreads to humans from prolonged exposure to mines or caves where fruit bats live, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It can also spread between humans, through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, or with surfaces or materials contaminated with those fluids, such as blood. It is not airborne.
Are there vaccines or treatments?
There are no approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg.
Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival, the WHO said.
Although there is no approved vaccine, on Thursday Rwandan health officials announced they will begin clinical trials of experimental vaccines and treatments in the coming weeks.
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Conclusion:
The Marburg virus is a deadly and highly contagious disease that is often fatal. The virus has a fatality rate as high as 88 per cent and has no approved vaccines or treatments. Outbreaks of Marburg virus are largely in Africa, but the World Health Organization is staying vigilant to prevent its spread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Marburg virus?
Marburg virus is a deadly and highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus.
2. How does Marburg virus spread?
The virus spreads to humans from prolonged exposure to mines or caves where fruit bats live, and can also spread between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids.
3. Is there a vaccine for Marburg virus?
No, there is no approved vaccine for Marburg virus.
4. Are there treatments for Marburg virus?
There are no approved treatments for Marburg virus, but early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.
5. Is there a risk of Marburg virus spreading to Canada?
The risk of Marburg virus spreading to Canada is low, but it is important to take precautions and control the outbreak quickly.