Two passengers from Rwanda caused a health scare at Hamburg Central Station in Germany due to fear of being infected with the deadly Marburg virus, a hazardous and contagious disease that is presently spreading in East Africa.
Emergency services blocked off platform four at Hamburg Central Station on Wednesday afternoon, where two passengers boarded the train from Frankfurt had been ill with the flu. The passengers, a 26-year-old medical student, and his girlfriend, were sent right away for testing to the tropical disease-focused Eppendorf University Hospital.
The student had come from Rwanda and started vomiting. He thought he might be sick and reported the passengers. The couple have been treating a patient in Rwanda who was later diagnosed with a contagious illness known as Marburg, which has killed other people in recent weeks. The health ministry of the country has confirmed at least nine deaths and over 27 cases of Marburg virus.
What is the Marburg Virus?
Marburg virus is a deadly disease caused by a virus that is related to the Ebola virus. It can spread through direct contact with the fluid-infected person, such as blood, vomit, saliva, or other secretions. It can also spread through fruit bats, which are known to carry the virus. Since it is not airborne, it cannot spread quickly, but direct exposure still poses a grave risk.
The signs of the Marburg virus are fever, headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, and, in rare cases, seizures and bleeding. The virus is one of the deadliest viral diseases, with a death rate of up to 88%, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It typically kills 50% of people affected by it.
The Background of the Marburg Virus Pandemic
The virus was first discovered in 1967 and gained its name from a group of lab workers infected by it while caring for Ugandan monkeys in Marburg and Frankfurt. Although the virus’s origin is unknown, it is assumed to spread from animals to people when they come into contact with bats or eat contaminated food. Additionally, the virus may spread to humans through intermediate hosts like pigs or monkeys.
To stop more contamination, police and emergency workers in full protective gear boarded the train in Hamburg as soon as they received the call. Services at the station were interrupted for many hours when two tracks were closed but reopened by officials as soon as it appeared safe.
Due to the health risks posed by the virus, local authorities have implemented strict safety measures to limit the virus spreading. The passengers were admitted for additional testing and observation. Although it is still unknown if they have the virus, it has raised a serious concern over the outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fevers.
The Severity of the Outbreak in Rwanda
Rwanda is experiencing its deadliest outbreak to date, with Nine deaths and over twenty cases of the Marburg virus recorded as of Wednesday. The outbreak is most prevalent in the capital city of Kigali. The Health Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, cautioned that anyone having symptoms of high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea should not continue their chores and will be getting medical help immediately.
The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deputy director, Jennifer McQuiston, reported that the unexpected spike in cases might be because the virus has been spreading unnoticed for a few weeks.
The Rwandan government has established strict handwashing guidelines and is currently observing 300 people who have had contact with confirmed cases to stop spreading the virus.
Global Reaction and Containment Measures
Global health organizations had to respond quickly to the Rwandan outbreak as the virus was reported near a significant transportation hub. WHO confirmed that one person who had contact with an infected patient had already visited Belgium, raising concerns about the virus spreading globally. However, the specialists are optimistic that Rwanda can stop this outbreak since they have a robust healthcare system.
There is a lack of specific vaccines or treatments, but experimental vaccinations are available. Dr. Karan suggested that this outbreak presented a chance for additional vaccination research.
There is still concern about the possibility of the virus globally, even though health officials in Rwanda are moving quickly to contain it. Since there are no vaccines for the virus and it poses serious hazards, prompt action, and close observation will be needed to prevent further cases.