An outbreak of a deadly virus known as the Marburg Virus Disease, also called the ‘bleeding eyes’ virus, has left eight people dead in Tanzania. The virus has a survival rate of 50%, making it one of the deadliest diseases on Earth. The outbreak has been reported in two districts in the northwest Kagera region of the country. With fears of the illness spreading further, as the location is densely populated and a travel hub, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently investigating nine suspected cases, with eight resulting in fatalities in the districts of Biharamulo and Muleba.
WHO confirmed that they received reliable reports on January 10 regarding six suspected cases of the virus, with five fatalities. The number of cases rose to nine with eight deaths the following day. The symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease include headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, vomiting blood, body weakness, and external bleeding. The virus is severe and often fatal, caused by a filovirus. WHO emphasised the importance of rapid action to save lives, with infected individuals remaining contagious as long as the virus is present in their blood.
The Marburg virus is believed to originate from bats, with outbreaks occurring when the virus jumps from bats to humans and spreads within the human population. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or materials contaminated with these fluids. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, after which symptoms appear suddenly. WHO recommended neighbouring countries to be alert and ready to handle potential cases, without imposing travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania at present.
In summary, the outbreak of the Marburg Virus Disease in Tanzania has claimed eight lives so far, prompting urgent action by WHO to contain the spread of the virus and provide necessary care to affected individuals. The highly infectious and deadly nature of the disease underscores the importance of swift response and surveillance to prevent further casualties.