In Africa, the Ministry of Health of Rwanda has just confirmed 7 new cases of Marburg virus infection, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 56. According to information from the Communicable Disease Surveillance System, since the end of September 2024, Rwanda has had the first case of Marburg disease.
As of October 10, a total of 58 cases have been recorded, including 13 deaths, about 70% of which are medical staff.
What is Marburg virus?
Marburg is a virus transmitted by an intermediate animal, specifically the African fruit bat Rousettus aegyptiacus. The virus is named after the German Marburg Laboratory, where it was discovered in 1967.
The disease caused by the Marburg virus is difficult to diagnose, with an incubation period of 2-21 days. Patients may experience symptoms such as: sudden fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, body aches. On the 5th day, a rash and burning sensation may appear on the body. In addition, there is nausea, chest pain, abdominal pain, sore throat, diarrhea, yellow eyes, signs of bleeding, delirium leading to shock and leading to liver failure, multiple organ failure that can lead to death.
To diagnose Marburg virus, laboratory tests such as Elisa and PCR are needed. For deceased patients, blood or biopsy samples from body tissues can be taken for immunohistochemical staining or culture to detect the virus.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral drug to treat the disease. People infected with the Marburg virus will have to be strictly isolated and the main treatment is supportive treatment such as electrolyte replacement, anti-hemorrhage, if there are signs of multiple organ failure, oxygen therapy, resuscitation... However, with a fairly high mortality rate, people with the disease often have a serious prognosis.
Ministry of Health issues urgent instructions
Faced with the complicated situation of the Marburg virus epidemic in Africa, the Department of Preventive Medicine issued an urgent dispatch to monitor and control the epidemic to prevent outbreaks in our country.
The Department of Preventive Medicine issued urgent document No. 1006/DP-DT to the International Health Quarantine Centers; Provincial and municipal Disease Control Centers to continuously update information on countries that are recording patients with Marburg virus; closely monitor subjects entering and transiting into Vietnam from epidemic areas; fully implement personal protective measures for medical staff and people who have contact with suspected or infected people; prepare rooms and temporary isolation areas for suspected or infected cases.
In addition, the Department of Preventive Medicine sent the Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology/Pasteur instructions, training on monitoring and disease prevention measures, sample collection, safe transportation; received specimens for diagnosis of Marburg virus; increased testing capacity, actively reviewed, and was ready to respond to suspected cases of the disease.
