‘Bleeding Eye’ Virus Outbreak Sparks Global Health Concerns: Check Symptoms and Prevention

What Is Marburg Virus Disease?

MVD is a severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. First identified during a 1967 outbreak in Marburg, Germany, the virus has since triggered multiple outbreaks, primarily in Africa. Recent cases have been reported in Tanzania, Ghana, and now Rwanda.

Nicknamed the “bleeding eye virus” due to its hallmark symptom of eye bleeding, MVD also causes bleeding from the nose, gums, and other orifices. The virus has been listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the greatest global health threats due to its high fatality rates and lack of effective treatments or vaccines.

Symptoms and Progression

Symptoms of MVD typically begin 2 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and extreme fatigue. By the third day, gastrointestinal symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting are common.

By the fifth day, hemorrhagic symptoms—bleeding from the digestive system, eyes, nose, gums, and other orifices—may emerge. In critical cases, patients develop “ghost-like” features, including deep-set eyes, extreme lethargy, and disorientation. Fatalities often result from shock or severe blood loss within 8 to 9 days after the onset of symptoms.

How Is the Virus Transmitted?

Initial human infections often result from prolonged exposure to caves or mines inhabited by Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), the virus’s natural hosts. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals. The virus can also spread indirectly via contaminated surfaces such as bedding or clothing.

Current Outbreak and Response

The first case in Rwanda this year was reported in September. In response, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has sought experimental treatments and vaccines. The US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute provided 700 doses of its experimental Marburg vaccine, which were administered to frontline healthcare workers. However, the efficacy of these vaccines remains uncertain.

The WHO emphasizes that supportive care, such as rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms, can improve survival rates. However, the lack of approved vaccines or antiviral treatments makes prevention critical.

Preventive Measures

Health officials recommend avoiding contact with bats, infected individuals, and contaminated materials. In healthcare settings, strict infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are vital. Public health strategies like contact tracing, quarantine, and education campaigns are also crucial for containment.

Travel Advisory by WHO

Though WHO has not advised any travel and trade restrictions concerning Rwanda, it says, Travelers going to affected areas should:

Stay up-to-date on the evolution of the outbreak,

Avoid contact with anyone presenting with MVD symptoms (like fever, vomiting, diarrhea or bleeding) and/or with any materials and surfaces contaminated by their bodily fluids,

Avoid contact with infected people’s bodies, including during funerals.

Travelers who have returned from affected areas within the previous 21 days and who feel sick with early symptoms (like fever or bleeding) and think they may have been exposed, should isolate themselves and contact a doctor. These travelers should share their travel history, as well as information regarding any potential high-risk situations they were involved in and/or people they were in contact with. Further information on the signs and symptoms of MVD and how to protect oneself and others is available here.

Global Implications

The Marburg virus’s ability to cause high fatality outbreaks, combined with its ease of spread via human contact, underscores why even regional outbreaks garner global concern. With no approved vaccines or definitive treatments, the world remains vulnerable to the rapid spread of such diseases.

Efforts by the WHO and global health agencies aim to improve diagnostics, develop vaccines, and strengthen healthcare systems to prepare for future outbreaks.

This outbreak is a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by zoonotic diseases and the critical need for global vigilance and investment in public health infrastructure.

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Information provided is based on current reports and may be subject to updates as the situation evolves.