Marburg virus belongs to the filovirus family, similar to Ebola, and can cause outbreaks with high fatality rates. The virus is spread through contact with Egyptian rousette bats or infected individuals, and can be transmitted from human to human.
According to reports, a new strain of Marburg virus has sparked global fear, with a 50% mortality rate. One of the typical symptoms is bleeding of the eyes, hence it’s termed as the “bleeding eye disease.” The World Health Organization (WHO) states that there is no treatment or vaccine for the disease.
The virus presents itself in majority cases as a fatal illness in humans, with an average mortality rate of 50%. However, this has varied from 24% to 88% in different outbreaks. Marburg virus has been reported in multiple countries, including Rwanda, Canada, Europe, and California.
Symptoms of the disease include high fever, severe headache, and muscle aches, followed by watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Haemorrhagic manifestations, such as bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina, can also occur. Involvement of the central nervous system can result in confusion, irritability, and aggression.
There is no treatment or vaccine approved for Marburg virus, but early intensive supportive care including rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms can improve survival. Candidate monoclonal antibodies and antivirals are being evaluated in clinical trials.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/deadliest-bleeding-eye-disease-caused-by-marburg-virus-is-severe-has-only-50-survival-rate-check-all-details/articleshow/115963800.cms?from=mdr