The health authority issued the warning for those traveling to countries affected by the Marburg fever epidemic due to an outbreak of the disease in Rwanda. It is recommended to avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms (such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding) or contact with materials and surfaces contaminated by bodily fluids of infected persons, as well as contact with the bodies of infected individuals. The mortality rate among those infected is as high as 88%.
The health authority warns:
- Avoid visiting healthcare facilities in epidemic areas unless it concerns urgent issues;
- Avoid habitats where bats may reside, such as caves or mines, and all forms of close contact with wild animals, both alive and dead;
- Avoid touching (handling) and consuming any type of raw meat from wild animals;
- Exercise caution and strictly follow the instructions of local authorities;
- If you fall ill during your stay, seek medical assistance immediately;
- If alarming symptoms appear after returning from a trip, consult a doctor and inform them about your recent travel;
- Travelers to epidemic areas who develop symptoms of hemorrhagic fever should be immediately isolated until infection is ruled out.
Marburg Virus Warning Issued by Health Authority: In Which Countries Has the Disease Been Detected?
On September 27, 2024, an outbreak of Marburg hemorrhagic fever was confirmed in Rwanda. Cases have been reported in several districts, including the capital Kigali and regions bordering other countries in the area: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania.
In recent weeks, several suspected cases have also been reported in EU countries (Belgium, Germany) among individuals who had recently returned from Rwanda. However, after testing, it was confirmed that those suspected of infection were healthy. Currently, the risk of the virus spreading to Europe is considered low.
What Is Marburg Virus Fever?
The Marburg virus was first described in 1967. The virus reservoir consists of wild animal species native to Africa (such as bats, monkeys, and rodents). The disease is not transmitted between humans through respiratory droplets. Infection occurs through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or through contact with surfaces and objects contaminated with biological material from the infected individual (e.g., clothing, bedding). Asymptomatic individuals are not a source of infection.
The incubation period for the disease ranges from 2 to 21 days, with an average of 5-10 days. The onset is usually sudden, with non-specific flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, chills, and malaise. Rapid deterioration occurs within 2–5 days in over half of the infected individuals, characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, a rash and bleeding from various organs may develop. There is no causative treatment for this disease, nor is a vaccine available.
