CDC To Screen Rwanda Travellers For Marburg Virus; Know The Signs And Symptoms That Tell One May Have Caught The Virus
Oct 09, 2024
News
CDC To Screen Rwanda Travellers For Marburg Virus
Marburg Virus Signs And Symptoms: Health officials in the U.S. are set to screen passengers flying from Rwanda for symptoms of Marburg virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a statement said, “Starting mid-October, airline passengers who have been in Rwanda in the last 21 days will have their travel to the United States rerouted” to one of three airports: Chicago O’Hare, JFK in New York and Washington Dulles in suburban Virginia.
The statement also said that the passengers landing at one of those airports will have to meet with CDC staffers for temperature checks and assessments of any other visible symptoms, such as sore throat, vomiting or rashes that often appear on the torso. The screenings are set to begin the week of October 14, according to a report in NBC News.
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is an illness that has a fatality ratio of up to 88% but can be much lower with good patient care. The symptoms start flu-like but can progress to severe vomiting, bleeding and neurological (brain and nerve) issues. Outbreaks usually start by spreading from bats or primates (like monkeys) to humans. From there, it can spread from human to human and cause outbreaks.
The virus was initially detected in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany; and in Belgrade, Serbia. It is a viral hemorrhagic fever or a virus that damages blood vessels and causes bleeding. It’s part of the same family of viruses as Ebola.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease
The symptoms usually happen in two phases. Here, take a look at the symptoms of the first phase that might last for five to seven days.
- Fever
- Chills
- Severe headache
- Cough
- Muscle or joint pain
- Sore throat
- Rash.
Here, take a look at the symptoms of the second phase.
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Unintended weight loss
- Bloody poop or vomit
- Bleeding from your nose, mouth, eyes or vagina
- Confusion.
Tips To Prevent The Spread Of Marburg Virus Disease
Here, take a look at tips to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
Avoid contact with infected people
Stay away from those suspected or confirmed to have Marburg virus. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids like blood, saliva or vomit.
Hand Hygiene
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers, especially after visiting healthcare spaces or being around potentially infected people.
Protective gear
Wear gloves, masks and gowns if you’re caring for someone with suspected Marburg virus to prevent fluid transmission.
Avoid contact with bats and primates
Marburg virus can originate from fruit bats and non-human primates, so avoid caves and areas where these animals are common.
Handle infected bodies safely
If handling the deceased, use protective equipment and follow strict protocols to prevent contact with bodily fluids, as the virus remains contagious after death.
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