Deadly ‘Eye-Bleeding Disease’ Kills 9, Raising Pandemic Fears

A deadly, Ebola-like "eye-bleeding disease" has killed nine people, sparking global concerns about the possibility of a pandemic. With a mortality rate of 90%, the virus is spreading quickly, heightening fears of a wider outbreak. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as the highly contagious disease continues to trigger panic, and investigations into its origin are underway.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Marburg as a "priority pathogen" with potential to cause a pandemic, as experts worry it may spread globally, especially via air travel.

An outbreak of an eye-bleeding disease in Tanzania has claimed the lives of nine individuals, according to the African health agency.

This number surpasses the eight suspected deaths previously reported by the WHO, which had anticipated more cases emerging. Tanzania's connection by train to Dar es Salaam, which has an international airport, has raised concerns about a potential broader spread of the disease.

Ngashi Ngongo from the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) highlighted the high fatality rate of Marburg during an online briefing. He emphasized that efforts to combat the outbreak are being coordinated with the WHO and other partners.

Teams already experienced in handling outbreaks in nearby countries have been deployed to the area. He stated that about 281 individuals who had contact with the ten confirmed cases are being monitored. So far, 31 tests have been conducted; two came back positive, while 29 were negative.

The virus is highly contagious, transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and mucus. Currently, there is no known cure, although various vaccines and treatments are in development. Early symptoms can resemble those of common illnesses like the flu, including muscle pain, fever, and chills. Later symptoms may include vomiting blood, diarrhea, and severe bleeding from the eyes, nose, and gums, which can lead to death.

Tanzania faced its first Marburg outbreak in March 2023, in the Bukoba district, which killed six people and lasted nearly two months. Following the outbreak in Rwanda, Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia warned that Marburg cases could emerge anywhere worldwide.

He explained that with an incubation period of 5 to 15 days, the virus could spread before symptoms appear, especially when someone travels by plane. Professor Hunter added that airport screenings wouldn't fully mitigate the risk, as individuals may travel while asymptomatic.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: thescottishsun‍