The Marburg virus, known for its rapid transmission and high fatality rate—reaching up to 88%—poses a significant health threat with no current vaccine or treatment available.
HÀ NỘI – The General Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health has urged authorities to take proactive measures in detecting and preventing the Marburg virus from entering Việt Nam. This highly contagious virus, similar to Ebola, has raised international concerns, with the latest outbreak reported in Rwanda.
As of October 10, Rwanda had recorded 58 cases of Marburg virus infection, resulting in 13 deaths. Alarmingly, 70% of the infected individuals were healthcare workers, underscoring the risks faced by those on the frontlines.
The Marburg virus is considered a severe public health threat due to its high transmission and fatality rates, which can reach as high as 88%. With no vaccine or specific treatment available, early detection and strict containment measures are essential.
In Việt Nam, the disease is classified as a Category A infectious disease under the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, emphasizing its priority status in public health efforts.
Global and Local Response Efforts
Several countries, including the United States, China, and South Korea, have implemented heightened medical measures at their borders to prevent the virus’s spread. Việt Nam is following suit with similar precautions.
The General Department of Preventive Medicine has issued an urgent notice to key health agencies, including the Pasteur Institute, International Health Quarantine Centres, and provincial Centres for Disease Control (CDC). The directive focuses on enhancing detection, monitoring, and control measures for Marburg virus at all entry points.
Health officials at border checkpoints have been instructed to closely monitor individuals entering the country from regions with reported Marburg cases. Quarantine and tracking protocols are to be enforced, particularly for those transiting through or importing goods from affected areas.
Preventing Healthcare Worker Infections
Given the high infection rate among healthcare workers in Rwanda, Việt Nam’s health officials have been directed to ensure strict adherence to protective measures. Medical personnel in contact with suspected or confirmed cases must wear personal protective equipment to avoid the risk of transmission.
Temporary quarantine zones are to be set up at border checkpoints, prepared to handle potential cases. Essential medical supplies, including disinfectants and medications, must be readily available for immediate deployment in case of an outbreak.
Training sessions are also being organized for quarantine personnel to equip them with the knowledge and skills to monitor and manage potential Marburg cases, with an emphasis on infection control and prevention measures.
Public Awareness and Precautionary Measures
Public health communication efforts are also being intensified at border checkpoints, with travellers and the general public being informed about Marburg virus prevention strategies. Anyone who develops symptoms or has been exposed to potential risk factors related to the virus within 21 days of entering Việt Nam is urged to report to healthcare facilities immediately.
Border staff have been instructed to review and update contingency plans in collaboration with local health authorities. These plans include protocols for handling suspected or confirmed cases, identifying healthcare facilities capable of managing patients, and coordinating transportation and care for those affected.
Strengthening Diagnostic Capabilities
The Ministry of Health has also tasked the Pasteur Institute and the Epidemiology Institute with providing training and support to localities. These agencies are responsible for safely collecting and transporting medical samples from suspected cases. They are also enhancing their testing and diagnostic capacities to confirm Marburg cases promptly.
Local response teams are being reinforced to ensure they are ready to act swiftly in the event of an outbreak.
Understanding Marburg Virus and Its Impact
Dr. Đỗ Duy Cường, Director of the Centre for Tropical Diseases at Bạch Mai Hospital in Hà Nội, explained that the Marburg virus belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. Fruit bats serve as the virus’s natural hosts, with transmission to humans occurring through contact with the animals’ secretions or urine.
Once transmitted to humans, the virus spreads through close contact with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, vomit, and other secretions. Although respiratory transmission is possible, it only occurs with very close contact.
Marburg virus symptoms often resemble those of other endemic diseases, complicating diagnosis. In regions like Africa, it can be mistaken for diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever,or Ebola.
The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. Early symptoms include sudden fever, chills, headaches, and muscle pain. By the fifth day, patients may develop a rash or burning sensation, with additional symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
In severe cases, patients may experience bleeding, delirium, and shock, leading to liver failure, multiple organ failure, and death. The prognosis for Marburg virus disease remains poor due to the absence of a specific treatment or vaccine.
Current Treatment Protocols
Currently, treatment focuses on supportive care, including managing bleeding and restoring electrolyte balance. Patients with organ failure may require oxygen and intensive care. Given the virus’s high fatality rate, strict isolation of infected individuals is essential.
As Việt Nam strengthens its readiness to respond to the potential threat of Marburg virus, the emphasis remains on prevention, early detection, and safeguarding healthcare workers and the wider population from the virus’s devastating impact.
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