The world is under threat due to the Marburg virus, which has a mortality rate of 88 percent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the world is under threat from the Marburg virus outbreak. The WHO stated that as of September 29, 2024, a total of 26 cases have been reported in eight of the seven regions of the African country of Rwanda, with no deaths.

"RISK IS VERY HIGH"

In a statement regarding the outbreak risk, the WHO said, "It is assessed as very high at the country level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level."

The WHO warned that there is a risk of the outbreak spreading to neighboring countries, as the virus reported in Rwanda has also been reported in areas bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Uganda. The WHO emphasized that the risk of international spread of the virus is also high due to Rwanda's road network connecting many cities in East Africa and the presence of an international airport.

TRANSMITTED FROM FRUIT BATS TO HUMANS

The WHO stated that it is known that a contact person traveled to Belgium, a European country, and that interventions have been initiated. The WHO emphasized that there is currently no treatment or vaccine for the virus. The Marburg virus, which has a high mortality rate, is said to be transmitted to humans by fruit bats. Symptoms include severe headaches, abdominal pain, and bleeding from the nose and mouth.

FROM THE SAME FAMILY AS THE EBOLA VIRUS

The WHO previously stated that the Marburg virus comes from the same family as the Ebola virus disease and is an extremely contagious viral disease. The Rwandan Ministry of Health announced that a death case caused by the Marburg virus occurred on September 29.

"PEOPLE SHOULD NOT PANIC"

Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana stated, "People can continue their daily activities. There is no ban on any activity under Marburg prevention measures. People should not panic as we have identified all focal points of the disease and taken appropriate measures."