Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 30 Jan 2025
Disease X Fears Renewed: Nine Die of Ebola-like Eye-bleeding Disease With High Mortality Rate In Fresh Outbreak
Since it was officially announced last week, ten people tested positive for Marburg virus - a highly infectious disease similar to Ebola
At least nine people have died in a fresh outbreak of an eye-bleeding disease in Tanzania, Africa's health agency has announced. This exceeds the eight other deaths reported by the World Health Organization earlier this month, which had warned that "more cases" were likely to be identified.
Since it was officially announced last week, ten people tested positive for the Marburg virus, a highly infectious disease similar to Ebola. According to experts, the virus, sometimes also referred to as disease X, which scientists have warned about, reflects a 90 per cent mortality rate.
The cases were reported in the remote Kagera region of Tanzania, which has a population of nearly three million. "We are doing everything we can with WHO and all the partners,” Ngashi Ngongo, from the Africa Centre for Disease Control Centre (CDC), told an online briefing that the figures reflected "the very high case fatality of Marburg.". Ngongo added that teams from countries have already countered a recent outbreak in a neighbouring country.
"There have been a total of 31 tests that have been conducted, two confirmed, and 29 I think, that are negative," he added.
Marburg was flagged by WHO as a global risk
WHO previously said the global risk from Tanzania's current outbreak was "low.". Even though there is no approved treatment or vaccine, outbreaks can be stopped quickly, Chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
Marburg has been flagged by the WHO as a priority pathogen with pandemic potential, especially in areas where healthcare is poor.
What is the Marburg virus disease?
According to experts, Marburg virus disease is a serious illness that causes outbreaks in several African countries. The symptoms start out flu-like but progress to severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological issues. Outbreaks usually start by spreading from bats or primates to humans. From there, it can spread from human to human and cause outbreaks.
Doctors say Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever or a virus that damages blood vessels and causes bleeding.
Signs and symptoms of Marburg
According to experts, the symptoms of Marburg happen in two phases: the first phase lasts five to seven days, while the second one is more severe and causes grave illness. These signs include:
- High fever
- Chills
- Severe headaches
- Cough
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sore throat
- Rashes
- Abdominal and chest pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Unintended weight loss
- Bloody poop
- Bleeding from your nose, mouth, eyes or vagina
- Confusion and derilium
What causes Marburg virus disease?
Doctors say two related viruses—the Marburg virus and the Ravn virus—lead to this deadly condition, which is also related to the virus that causes Ebola. The virus spreads through contact with body fluids of infected humans or animals, which include:
- Blood
- Pee or urine
- Poop
- Spit
- Human milk
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
Is the Marburg virus treatable?
According to healthcare providers, Marburg is diagnosed with a blood test. It can be difficult to diagnose since it can have symptoms similar to other illnesses, like yellow fever, malaria, and typhoid.
Also, there is no specific treatment or cure for the Marburg virus and providers can try to manage your symptoms, treat any complications, and keep your condition stable. They might give you oxygen, intravenous or IV fluids, and treatments for specific symptoms, like pain medications.
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