Experts from the World Health Organization are sounding the alarm: the planet is rapidly being attacked by a new – deadly – Marburg virus.
WHO representatives have warned humanity about the possible risk of encountering an epidemic of this virus .
According to their data, as of September 29 of this year, 26 confirmed cases of the disease have been recorded in the world, including 8 deaths.
Outbreak Risk Assessment
Cases of the disease have been registered in 7 regions of Rwanda.
The WHO assesses the risk of this outbreak as very high at the national level, high at the regional level and low at the global level, the MIA Rossiya Segodnya quotes the organization’s statement as saying.
Please note: there is a threat of the virus spreading to neighboring countries.
This is justified by the fact that cases of the disease are being recorded in areas of Rwanda on the borders with Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.
International distribution
The risk of international spread is equally high, as experts say cases have been confirmed in Rwanda's capital.
There, in Kigali, is an international airport and a road network with several cities in East Africa.
Moreover, an international trip of one of the “contacts” to Belgium was recorded, where certain response measures were taken because of this.
And in Hamburg, due to the potential arrival of Marburg, the city's main train station was closed.
How it is transmitted and spread
WHO staff point out that there is currently no treatment or vaccine for the virus.
It is known to be transmitted to humans from fruit bats.
It is spread among people through direct contact with the biological fluids of infected people, as well as with surfaces and materials.
Symptoms: severe headache, abdominal pain, bleeding from the nose and mouth.
Currently, supportive therapy and symptomatic treatment are used "to improve patient survival rates."
