Bleeding Eye Virus

Why in news

• The World Health Organization announced a 42-day countdown to declare the Marburg virus disease outbreak over in Rwanda, signaling resolution.

About Marburg Virus (Bleeding Eye Virus)

• Overview:
  • Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the Filoviridae family, similar to Ebola.
  • It is known as the ‘Bleeding Eye Virus’ due to the prominent symptom of bleeding in the eyes.

• Transmission:
  • Zoonotic transmission occurs through fruit bats (Rousettus species) to humans.
  • Human-to-human transmission is through direct contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, etc.) or contaminated surfaces (fomites).
  • The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.
• Symptoms:
  • Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and malaise.
  • Progression involves vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rash.
  • Severe bleeding (nose, gums, eyes, vagina) occurs by day 5, leading to multi-organ failure and shock.
• Fatality Rate:
  • The case fatality rate can be as high as 90%, depending on the outbreak and healthcare response. Death typically results from severe blood loss and organ failure.
• Diagnosis and Treatment:
  • RT-PCR and ELISA are used for diagnosis.
  • There is no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care (hydration, blood transfusion, etc.) is provided to manage symptoms.
• Prevention and Control:
  • Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals, use of PPE, and strict hygiene (frequent handwashing).
  • Vaccines are still under research, with no widely approved vaccine available yet.
• Global Impact:
  • Marburg virus has caused sporadic outbreaks since its discovery in 1967.
  • Recent outbreaks occurred in Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with over 15 fatalities in affected regions.
• Challenges in Containment:
  • The virus spreads rapidly and is highly contagious, making containment difficult, particularly in resource-limited settings.
  • Outbreaks are typically localized, but due to global travel, there is an increased risk of broader transmission.
• Global Health Risk:
  • While less likely to cause a global pandemic compared to airborne viruses like COVID-19, the high fatality rate and human-to-human transmission make Marburg a significant health concern.
  • Effective containment relies on rapid diagnosis, isolation, contact tracing, and international collaboration.
• Future Outlook:
  • Ongoing research into monoclonal antibodies and other antiviral agents aims to improve treatment options.
  • Global surveillance, early detection, and preparedness are essential to prevent future outbreaks and minimize global risks.