It is similar to Ebola and caused an outbreak in Rwanda.
On September 27, the Rwandan Ministry of Health notified first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (Ministry of Internal Affairs) in the country. Total as of October 2 36 cases, including 11 deaths..
What’s happened Marburg virus?
He Marburg virus – disease which have spread to several African countries, certain species of bats and causes severe hemorrhagic fever looks like Ebola for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment, causing fatal infections.
The virus may also be spread from person to person by direct contact with sick people, and symptoms may appear suddenly and include fever, rash and severe bleeding.
Suspected two cases in Germany
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted that two travelers who were isolated from this Tuesday in Hamburg (Germany) after infection in a medical center in Rwanda where patients with Marburg virus disease were treated. gave a negative result in the diagnostic studies performed.
The contacts investigated in Rwanda also include one who traveled to Belgium has passed the monitoring period (21 days) and is not considered a public health risk.
What is the risk in Europe?
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said this Thursday that his organization has assessed the risk of an outbreak of the Marburg virus in Rwanda.very high at the national level, high at the regional level and low at the global levell”.
Thus, during his weekly press conference, Tedros confirmed that the WHO had sent experts to Rwanda to support the African country in the face of the outbreak reported last week. Moreover, he added that “they development of treatments and vaccines fight against the viral disease, and WHO stands ready to facilitate the supply of these products and provide support.
“According to a report from the Ministry of Health, more than 70% of confirmed cases were among health workers at two health centers in the capital Kigali. disease first reported from Marburg virus in Rwanda“Tedros singled out.
ECDC Advice for Travelers
ECDC advised people traveling to Rwanda to avoid contact with anyone who has symptoms viral respiratory illnesses (such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding) or contact with materials and surfaces contaminated with body fluids of infected people. This includes avoiding contact with the corpses of infected people and the burial process.
He also urged people to avoid visiting health centers in MIA-affected areas for non-urgent medical care or for non-medical reasons. It is also suggested to avoid the habitat of wild animals such as monkeys, bush antelopes, rodents and bats, as well as contact or consumption of their meat.
Travelers who return from Rwanda in the EU/EEA must Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur Meets the requirements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and indicate your travel history, as well as a history of possible infection and close contacts.