The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged travelers to be cautious, particularly as Mpox cases have risen in countries like Uganda and others in Central Africa.
Bleeding Eye Virus
A new viral threat, known as the ‘Bleeding Eye’ virus, has raised global concerns. This new virus has spread urgent warnings particularly to those travellers, heading to the UK and African countries. The virus is a variant of the Marburg virus, which was first detected in 1967. Now the fear has once again curbed as it is one of the deadliest diseases on the planet. It has now spread across at least 17 countries, causing widespread panic. Marburg, often referred to as the ‘Bleeding Eye’ virus got its name due to one of its characteristic symptoms. Moreover this deadly virus has claimed the lives of 15 individuals in Rwanda, while leaving hundreds more infected.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Marburg virus as a severe and potentially fatal illness in humans. WHO reported a case fatality rate (CFR) of around 50%, which is recorded though past outbreaks. Whereas the death rates range between 24% and 88%. The virus is highly contagious, it spreads rapidly from one person to other. Due to its rapid spreading it has put neighboring countries at significant risk.
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The ‘Bleeding Eye’ virus, with its high mortality rate, has generated global fear. Health authorities are particularly concerned about its spread to other African nations already grappling with multiple ongoing outbreaks of other diseases. The WHO warns that with a 50% chance of death, the disease presents a dire threat to public health.
In addition to Marburg, Mpox, is also a related viral disease, which has been reported in several countries, including Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This year alone, the UK has confirmed five cases of a more severe strain of Mpox, prompting additional health advisories. The most recent case was reported in Leeds, after an individual returned from Uganda. Health officials emphasize that Mpox spreads easily within households through close contact, though the overall risk to the UK population remains low.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged travelers to be cautious, particularly as Mpox cases have risen in countries like Uganda and others in Central Africa. While the risk in the UK is still low. UKHSA has advised travelers to consult healthcare providers before departure, especially those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, as they are at higher risk for severe illness. People should also follow basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with those who have symptoms, and using hand sanitizers.
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Marburg virus symptoms appear suddenly or it usually appears within two to 21 days of exposure. Initial signs include fever, intense headaches, muscle pain, and extreme fatigue. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and a non-itchy rash develop. On day five, more serious symptoms such as bleeding from the eyes, gums, nose, mouth, and other body parts emerge. Internal bleeding, confusion, and shock are common, with death often occurring within eight or nine days from severe blood loss or shock.
In contrast, Mpox, which can take up to 21 days to show symptoms, manifests as a rash that starts on the face, palms, soles, and genital areas. The rash turns into blisters and sores, accompanied by fever, back and muscle pain, swollen glands, and fatigue.
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Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus. Though research on various vaccines and drug is going on. Diagnosing Marburg involves a series of laboratory tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and virus isolation in containment labs.
While Mpox has no pre-travel vaccine available in the UK. Hence travelers should to take extra precautions, including avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals. Practicing good hygiene, is required while visiting any foreign country.
As the ‘Bleeding Eye’ virus and other emerging diseases continue to spread. The health organizations urge travelers to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and seek medical advice when traveling to high-risk areas.
