Explainer: What is Marburg Virus?

A computer illustration of Marburg virus. [AFP]

The Kenyan government is on high alert following an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda.

On September 27, Rwanda reported an outbreak, with over 50 people infected and 13 deaths recorded.

Marburg virus disease is a severe, acute viral hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal. It belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola, which has similarly impacted several African countries.

The initial outbreaks of Marburg disease are believed to have come from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies.

Transmission

Although no cases have been reported in Kenya, the disease is highly transmissible and can spread quickly.  

It is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

It can also spread through contact with surfaces or materials contaminated with these fluids.

 Healthcare workers and caregivers are at high risk when treating infected patients and handling the bodies of deceased patients can also lead to infection.

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period—the time from exposure to the development of symptoms—varies from two to 21 days.

Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and body weakness, often accompanied by muscle pain.

As the disease progresses, patients may experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

In severe cases, bleeding from the nose, gums, or other body openings, as well as blood in vomit and feces, can occur.

Most fatalities occur between eight and nine days after symptoms begin.

Treatment

Marburg disease is diagnosed through laboratory tests conducted in highly specialised facilities.

Despite its high infectiousness, there are no approved vaccines or treatments currently available.

However, Rwanda has launched a vaccine trial to contain the outbreak. The experimental vaccine, in phase 2 trials, is provided by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.

According to the World Health Organisation, effective interventions include prompt isolation and management of cases, contact tracing, and high-quality laboratory services.

Given Rwanda's proximity to Kenya, the Ministry of Health has implemented strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus into the country.

Precautions

Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa announced that surveillance has been intensified in all counties and at Points of Entry (PoEs).

The public is also advised to avoid close contact with infected individuals or suspected cases, seek immediate medical care for symptoms resembling Marburg, and avoid sharing personal items like towels, utensils, or clothing.

Members of the public are also encouraged to use protective gear when caring for infected individuals, wash hands frequently with soap and water use hand sanitizer, and take extra precautions when traveling to affected areas.

The public should remain vigilant and report any unusual fevers or bleeding symptoms, especially among those with recent travel history to affected regions.