Marburg virus explained: A rising health threat in Africa as outbreaks spread

Symptoms of virus include fever, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and in severe cases, life-threatening blood loss.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has claimed 13 lives in just two weeks, with the majority of fatalities occurring among healthcare professionals.

According to the Rwandan health minister, while the outbreak is under control, the situation remains tense for those on the front line.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that the Marburg virus has a fatality rate of approximately 50%, with earlier outbreaks resulting in mortality rates between 24% and 88%.

Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and severe blood loss in critical cases.

First identified during an outbreak in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, as well as Belgrade, Serbia, the virus was linked to African green monkeys imported from Uganda.

Since then, it has been found in various animal species, primarily transmitted to humans through extended contact with bats in caves and mines.

In an effort to combat the virus, Rwanda has begun vaccination trials with supplies from the Sabin Institute, a US-based non-profit organisation.

So far, 200 individuals, primarily healthcare workers and close contacts of confirmed cases, have been vaccinated, with plans to expand the programme as more doses arrive.

Despite the challenges, health authorities are focused on controlling the outbreak and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.