At the end of the first month of autumn 2024, an outbreak of Marburg hemorrhagic fever was recorded in Rwanda.
As of October 21, 62 cases of the disease have been identified in the African country.
The disease has claimed the lives of 15 people, bringing the fatality rate to nearly 25 percent.
What is known about Marburg fever
This is a serious disease that is transmitted from bats to humans.
In addition, the infectious agent can be transmitted from person to person.
The disease begins to manifest itself suddenly: several days or weeks after infection. It can take from 2 to 21 days.
The following initial symptoms are known for Marburg fever:
- high body temperature;
- headache;
- muscle pain;
- weakness.
The following symptoms of the disease may then make themselves known:
- acute watery diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting;
- painful sensations in the abdominal area;
- rash without itching;
- bleeding.
There are no specific treatments reported. In such circumstances, preventive measures are of great importance.
Are there any cases of Marburg fever in Belarus
According to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, such cases have not been registered in our country.
It is emphasized that in Belarus there are simply no animals that are carriers of the infectious agent.
However, the risk that the disease will be “imported” from another country should not be ruled out. It is emphasized that Belarusian specialists are ready to carry out measures in such a scenario.
