Deadliest bleeding eye disease sparks fear: Know what it is

The bleeding eye disease has so far claimed 15 lives in Rwanda and has sparked global fear.

What is this bleeding eye disease? How to identify it? What are its symptoms?
Bleeding eye disease is medically known as Marburg disease. It is called bleeding eye because of one of its classic symptoms.

The disease is spread by Marburg virus. Rousettus aegyptiacus, a fruit bat of the Pteropodidae family, is the natural carrier of the virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies the disease to be severe, often resulting in fatal illness in humans. "The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks," the WHO says in a report which was updated in October 2024.

How to identify Marburg disease? Are there any specific symptoms?

Marburg disease starts with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise accompanied by muscle ache and pain. Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting begins on the third day. Non-itchy rash are seen in patients between 2 and 7 days after onset of symptoms.

Haemorrhagic manifestations, like fresh blood in vomitus and faeces, and bleeding from the nose, gums, vagina and other organs can be seen from the fifth day onwards.

In fatal cases, death occurs between 8 and 9 days after the onset of symptoms.

Marburg disease or bleeding eye disease in India

As per a report available on the Union Health Ministry's website, released in 2023, no case has been reported in India so far. "As cases have not been reported from India, so the surveillance strategies should be more focused at the point of entry in the country (PoE)," the report said.

With travel precautions and warnings issued by several countries, people can take necessary measures to stay safe from the disease.

Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine, prevention is critical.

To protect yourself, avoid direct contact with bats, particularly in regions where the virus is known to occur, as fruit bats are natural hosts. Refrain from entering caves or mines inhabited by bats. Handle meat from wild animals cautiously and ensure it is cooked thoroughly before consumption.

In case of outbreaks, practice strict hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid close contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, and refrain from touching contaminated surfaces or objects.