Government warns of Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda
The FPS Public Health is urging Belgians in Rwanda to remain vigilant following an outbreak of the Marburg virus. Although the Risk Assessment Group (RAG) and Risk Management Group (RMG) are closely monitoring the situation, the risk of infection for the general population in Belgium is considered "very low."
The Rwandan government informed Belgium of the virus outbreak on 28 September. The Marburg virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals or indirectly through contaminated surfaces. The virus causes viral hemorrhagic fever, a severe and often deadly condition.
According to the FPS, early symptoms of the disease include high fever, intense headaches and muscle pain. These may be followed by watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps. Many patients also experience severe bleeding. "The mortality rate is extremely high—up to 80 per cent or more," warns the FPS. With no approved treatment currently available, the RMG stresses the importance of prevention and early detection. The virus has an incubation period ranging from 2 to 21 days.
The FPS advises anyone who has been in Rwanda within the past three weeks and is experiencing symptoms or who has had contact with an infected person to immediately contact their GP by phone and mention their travel history.
Meanwhile, according to the FPS Public Health, the Belgian health sector has been alerted to the outbreak and the necessary precautions. Further details about the virus and the outbreak can be found on the Institute of Tropical Medicine's (ITM) specialised website, www.wanda.be.
©PHOTO SIMON MAINA / AFP
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