Hemorrhagic eye virus: Like the cases of Marburg virus continues to rise, public health officials around the world are monitoring the outbreak. At least 66 people have been infected and 15 people have died following an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda as of November 29, according to an update from the country’s health ministry.

Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a serious, often fatal illness in humans. The average case fatality rate for MVD is around 50 percent. Case fatality rates have ranged from 24 percent to 88 percent in past epidemics, according to Le Monde Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, a warning has been issued to travelers against the spread of the Marburg virus or “bleeding eye virus” as well as mpox and Oropouche fever in 17 countries.

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What is the “bleeding eye virus”?

Marburg is a rare but “severe hemorrhagic fever that can cause serious illness and death,” says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, adding that there is no treatment or vaccine for the disease. But, if detected early, supportive care including rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival, according to the Africa CDC.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), both viruses are part of the Filoviridae (filovirus) family to which the genus Orthoebolavirus belongs. Although caused by different viruses, Ebola and Marburg diseases are clinically similar. Both diseases are rare but can cause epidemics with high mortality rates.

MVD was first detected in 1967 after two simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade in Serbia. According to the WHO, human infection with MVD initially results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by colonies of Rousettus fruit bats.

“Once introduced into the human population, Marburg virus can spread by human-to-human transmission through direct contact (through skin lesions or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons, as well as ‘with surfaces and materials. (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated by these fluids,” the global health the agency said.

Additionally, healthcare workers have frequently become infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed MVD.

What are the symptoms of “bleeding eye virus”?

According to the Cleveland Clinics, Marburg symptoms occur in two phases. The first phase of symptoms lasts five to seven days and includes:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Severe headache.
• Cough.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Sore throat.
• Rash. This could have raised and flat (maculopapular) areas.

You might feel a little better for a day or two, then other symptoms appear. The second phase of symptoms may include:

• Abdominal or chest pain.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Bloody poop or vomit.
• Bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes or vagina.
• Confusion.

See a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

How is the “bleeding eye virus” spread?

Marburg virus is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of infected humans or animals.

Bodily fluids include:

• Blood.
• Pee (urine).
• Poop (stool).
• Spit (saliva).
• Human milk.
• Sperm.
• Vaginal fluids.

You can also catch it from surfaces, objects or medical devices contaminated with the virus, the Cleveland Clinic found.

How is bleeding eye virus treated?

There is no specific treatment or cure for Marburg virus. Providers can try to manage your symptoms, treat any complications, and keep your condition stable. They might give you:

• Oxygen.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids.
• Treatments for specific symptoms, such as painkillers.