New Delhi: After the widespread and continuing spread of Marburg, Mpox and Oropouche, a new virus, known as the “Bleeding Eye Virus”, has sparked global medical concerns, prompting medical professionals and organisations to issue an urgent warning in at least 17 countries now. Those travelling to other countries are being directed to exercise extra caution against this new virus which was first detected in 1967 in the town of Marburg in Germany in 1967. Since then, subsequent outbreaks have been mostly reported across Africa, most recently in Tanzania, Ghana, and now Rwanda.
Marburg, also termed as the ‘Bleeding Eye’s virus due to one of its symptoms (bleeding of the eye), has killed 15 people in Rwanda and has left hundreds infected, reports The Mirror.
It is a highly infectious pathogen from the filovirus family, closely related to the Ebola virus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies Marburg ‘Bleeding Eye’s virus to be severe, often resulting in fatal illness in humans. “The average Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks,” said the WHO in a report which was updated in October 2024.
Global fear with 50 per cent survival chance
With a 50-50 risk of death, the ‘bleeding eye’ virus is thought to be one of the deadliest on earth and could spread to other African countries. The WHO has said that the average Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) case fatality rate is around 50%, which means the chances of survival are 50 percent.
Symptoms of Marburg virus
The symptoms of Marburg virus disease typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and malaise.
By the third day, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting often develop.
From the fifth day onwards, haemorrhagic symptoms may emerge, including fresh blood in vomit and faeces, and bleeding from the nose, eyes, ears, mouth, gums, or vagina.
Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles, has occasionally been reported in the later stages.
Some patients develop “ghost-like” features, marked by deep-set eyes and extreme lethargy, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Internal bleeding, Disorientation, Agitation, Hostility, and testicular inflammation.
In critical cases, death can also occur between eight to nine days after symptoms start, after severe blood loss and shock.
How is it transmitted?
The Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or materials like bedding and clothing.
The initial human infection often occurs from exposure to fruit bats, which are natural hosts of the virus. Human-to-human transmission is a significant concern during outbreaks.
Diagnosis requires advanced laboratory tests like antigen detection, RT-PCR, and virus isolation. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for containment.
Patients may pass away eight or nine days after the onset of symptoms, frequently as a result of shock or significant blood loss.
Is there any treatment of bleeding eye virus?
There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. Supportive care, including hydration, maintaining oxygen levels, and treating specific symptoms can improve survival rates.
Experimental treatments like monoclonal antibodies (vaccines) are under development.
How to prevent bleeding eye virus
Avoiding exposure to bats and infected individuals.
In healthcare settings, stringent infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are essential.
Public health authorities stress the importance of contact tracing and quarantine to curb outbreaks.
Efforts by the World Health Organization and other agencies are ongoing to improve diagnostic methods, treatments, and preventive measures.
Currently, there is no vaccine for Marburg virus disease.
