Since September 27, an epidemic of the Marburg virus has caused the death of eleven people in Rwanda, a country located in eastern Africa. What measures will the authorities take to stem this epidemic?
Tl;dr
- The Marburg virus has killed eleven people in Rwanda.
- It is a virulent and fatal hemorrhagic fever.
- No vaccine currently exists against this disease.
Deadly epidemic in Rwanda
Since September 27, Rwanda, a country in eastern Africa, has been plagued by an epidemic of the Marburg virus. This disease has so far killed eleven people, causing growing concern in the region.
A deadly virus
Marburg virus is a dangerous and highly virulent hemorrhagic fever for humans. Its case fatality rates are significant, ranging from 24% to 88% depending on the virus strain and case management. The disease was first discovered in the 1960s in Marburg, Germany, following research into a vaccine based on monkey cells.
Symptoms and transmission
The symptoms of Marburg virus disease are similar to those of other tropical diseases, such as “Ebola or malaria”. They include sudden, intense fever, severe headache, and sometimes feeling unwell. The virus is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and is then spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people.
No vaccine available
Despite more than sixty years since its first appearance, no vaccine has yet been found against Marburg virus disease. For now, patients are receiving rehydration treatments and treatment for specific symptoms to increase their chances of survival.
Editorial opinion
As journalists, we hope that the international community will take serious measures to combat this deadly epidemic. It is crucial to strengthen medical research to find a vaccine against this devastating virus. Prevention and education are also essential to prevent the spread of the disease.
