So far it is only a suspicion: two tracks at Hamburg airport were closed because a couple on the journey from Frankfurt to Hamburg developed flu-like symptoms, including vomiting.
According to media reports, one of the two, a medical student, had previously treated a patient in Rwanda who was infected with the Marburg virus. An outbreak of Marburg fever in Rwanda became known on September 27th. How big is the danger, what should you know about the Marburg virus?
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How is the Marburg virus transmitted?
The Marburg virus is not transmitted through droplets or aerosols like flu or Covid-19, but through direct contact with body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit or semen of infected people or contaminated surfaces such as bedding or clothing.
The virus can enter the body through injured skin or mucous membranes. In contrast to many colds, the virus is not transmitted in the asymptomatic phase, but only when a person has already developed symptoms.
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What symptoms does the virus cause?
The Marburg virus can cause severe symptoms in infected people that are similar to infection with the Ebola virus. As the World Health Organization (WHO) states on its websitehigh fever, chills, severe headache and muscle pain may occur after an incubation period of two to 21 days. Vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain, sore throat, and severe watery diarrhea may also occur.
The symptoms become increasingly severe. Blood in the vomit and/or stool is often accompanied by bleeding from the nose, gums and vagina or anus. Patients can also suffer multiple organ failure. The severe viral infection is progressing According to the WHO, it is fatal in 24 to 88 percent of casesdepending on the virus strain and the level of health care. The average mortality rate is around 50 percent.
How great is the risk of becoming infected with the Marburg virus in Germany?
Very low, as the outbreak has so far been limited to Rwanda. You would have to come into close contact with a person who has previously been infected with Rwanda and has already developed symptoms.
“The risk of an imported infection or even an outbreak here is extremely low,” comments the German virologist Isabella Eckerleco-head of the Center for Novel Viral Diseases at the University of Geneva, on the platform said a press spokeswoman.
In Rwanda, attempts are currently being made to contain the outbreak and the known contacts of sick people are being traced. The incubation period is two to 21 days. People could therefore leave the country if it only later turns out that they were in contact with an infected person.
The risk of an imported infection or even an outbreak here is extremely low.
Isabella Eckerle, Virologin
It is still unclear whether the two people from Rwanda are ill with the Marburg virus. They were brought in a special vehicle in Hamburg to a special ward at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf. The passengers who were sitting in the immediate vicinity of the two travelers are now being investigated by the health department in Hamburg and the federal police. It is being checked whether they were able to become infected in such a short time.
How can you protect yourself from the virus?
The obvious protective measure is to avoid close contact with potentially infected people. However, members of the healthcare system become infected relatively often when they care for patients without protective measures.
When dealing with infected people or suspected cases, gloves, goggles, masks and protective suits should be worn to avoid any contact with blood or other body fluids.
How is Marburg fever treated?
So far, according to information from Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg neither a specific treatment nor an approved vaccine against Marburg fever. However, supportive treatment, such as an infusion to stabilize blood pressure, oxygen supply, and targeted treatment of symptoms can increase the chances of survival.
Are there vaccines?
The World Health Organization has classified Marburg virus as a top priority disease for which a vaccine is urgently needed. There are currently two vaccine candidates in development. One is being developed by the US National Institutes of Health. Successful results a phase 1 study in the USA were published in January 2023. Another candidate is being developed by the British Oxford Vaccine Group, undergoing initial clinical testing have recently started.
How big is the outbreak in Rwanda?
In Rwanda, 26 cases were initially reported on September 27, mostly among health system workers who cared for patients in two clinics. The number of known cases has now risen to 29 and 10 people have died. The announced the Ministry of Health of Rwanda on October 1, 2024.
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How likely is a global outbreak?
Since the virus is only transmitted through close contact with symptomatic infected people, rapid spread and a global pandemic are very unlikely. However, the WHO considers the risk to be greatthat the deadly disease will spread from Rwanda to neighboring countries.
A contact person of an infected person left Rwanda for Belgium, However, he is being monitored by the health authorities there and has not developed any symptoms of illness. The natural host of the Marburg virus is the Egyptian flying fox species Rousettus aegyptiacus. These animals are widespread across large parts of Africa.
