‘BLEEDING EYE’ VIRUS: AFRICA AND UK ON HIGH ALERT AS MARGBURG VIRUS SPREADS RAPIDLY

In an alarming development, the World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities across multiple nations have issued an urgent warning concerning the ongoing spread of several life-threatening viruses, including Marburg, Mpox, and Oropouche. These diseases are reportedly active in at least 17 countries, leaving governments and healthcare organizations scrambling to manage outbreaks and mitigate the risks of further spread.

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): The ‘Bleeding Eye’ Virus

Dubbed the “Bleeding Eye” virus due to one of its severe symptoms, Marburg Virus Disease has particularly shaken global health experts. In Rwanda alone, the virus has claimed 15 lives and infected hundreds more, escalating fears of its potential to spread across borders.

The WHO describes Marburg as a highly fatal illness with an average case fatality rate of approximately 50%, though previous outbreaks have seen rates vary between 24% and 88%. The disease is caused by a filovirus, similar to the one that causes Ebola.

Symptoms and Progression

Symptoms of Marburg typically appear suddenly following an incubation period of 2–21 days. Initial symptoms include:

• High fever
• Severe headaches
• Intense fatigue
• Muscle aches

By the third day, gastrointestinal symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting become prominent. Patients may also develop a rash.

By the fifth day, more severe symptoms emerge, including:

• Bleeding from orifices such as the eyes, gums, and nose
• Internal bleeding
• Blood in vomit or feces

In many cases, patients succumb within 8–9 days of symptom onset due to severe blood loss and shock. While outbreaks in travelers are rare, the risk of infection remains significant for individuals exposed to bats in caves or mines.

Mpox Outbreaks and Risks

Previously limited to five Central African nations, Mpox—caused by the monkeypox virus—has expanded to countries including Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, and Gabon, with occasional cases in the UK. Five confirmed cases were reported in the UK in 2024, one involving a traveler returning from Uganda.

Transmission and Symptoms

Mpox is spread primarily through close contact with infected individuals, either sexually or non-sexually. The disease is particularly contagious within households where close physical contact occurs.

Initial symptoms of Mpox may take up to 21 days to appear and often include:

• Fever and chills
• Severe headaches and fatigue
• Muscle and back pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

The hallmark of the disease is a blistering rash, which progresses through various stages before crusting over. It commonly affects the face, palms, soles, groin, and genital areas, and may persist for up to a month.

High-Risk Groups and Preventive Measures

Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are at heightened risk of severe outcomes. Although the overall risk to the general public in countries like the UK is deemed low, the UK Health Security Agency has advised travelers to exercise caution and consult healthcare providers before international trips.

Preventive measures include:

• Avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals
• Regular handwashing and the use of sanitizers
• Covering open wounds or cuts to minimize exposure

Oropouche Virus: A South American Threat

While Marburg and Mpox dominate African outbreaks, the Oropouche virus is creating significant health challenges across South America and parts of the Caribbean. Over 10,000 cases have been reported in countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador, with isolated cases in tourist hubs such as the Dominican Republic.

Transmission and Symptoms

Spread through bites from infected midges, Oropouche fever typically manifests within 3–10 days of infection. Symptoms last for about a week and include:

• High fever and chills
• Severe headaches
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and rash

Although the disease is generally non-fatal, some patients experience prolonged recovery and occasional complications. No specific treatments or vaccines are currently available, making vector control and personal precautions essential for limiting the disease’s spread.

Global Response and Travel Precautions

The rapid spread of these viruses underscores the need for heightened vigilance among global travelers. WHO and health authorities have emphasized the importance of implementing strict hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and using insect repellents in midge-prone areas.

For those traveling to regions with active outbreaks, additional precautions include:

• Ensuring comprehensive travel insurance coverage
• Consulting healthcare providers to assess individual risk factors
• Keeping updated on region-specific travel advisories

The Role of International Cooperation

Experts stress that international cooperation and resource sharing are vital to addressing these concurrent outbreaks. While wealthier nations have advanced healthcare infrastructures, lower-income countries often lack the resources necessary to manage large-scale health crises.

Global health organizations are working to provide technical and logistical support to affected countries. Efforts include:

• Deploying medical teams to outbreak hotspots
• Enhancing diagnostic capabilities
• Facilitating vaccine research and distribution where applicable