The Lancet is the premiere medical publication globally. They have just issued a warning.
The CDC has deployed medical folks to international airports to screen for Marburg. And our media is completely asleep at the wheel.
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On Sept 27, 2024, Rwanda's Ministry of Health confirmed the nation's first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease. As of Oct 14, 2024, there have been 62 reported cases and 15 deaths from the virus, necessitating immediate public health interventions to contain this outbreak to ensure regional and global health security.1
Like Ebola, Marburg virus is a filovirus which can cause a highly infectious viral haemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of up to 88%.2 The virus is transmitted to humans via fruit bats and spreads through human-to-human transmission, particularly through direct contact with blood, secretions, and other bodily fluids of individuals who are infected. Given the severity of the disease and the risk of widespread transmission, urgent interventions are required.3,4
To prevent the spread of Marburg virus in Rwanda, it is crucial for the public to avoid direct contact with individuals showing symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding. Using protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, is important when caring for those with symptoms. Early detection and immediate reporting of suspected cases to health authorities can substantially reduce the spread of the virus. The public should practise strict hygiene measures, avoid traditional burial practices, and stay away from fruit bat-infested areas to reduce transmission.2 Public awareness campaigns in the local language (Kinyarwanda) should be launched to educate people about the virus and promote community cooperation.2,4
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02194-9/fulltext