New Virus with 'Bleeding Eye' Symptoms, Mysterious Flu-Like Disease Kills 150 in Africa

Africa(The Uttam Hindu): A new, unidentified disease with flu-like symptoms has killed nearly 150 people in southwestern Congo, Africa, raising concerns among health officials. The deaths occurred in the Panzi health zone of Kwango province between November 10 and November 25. A medical team has been sent to investigate the cause of the illness and collect samples.

Meanwhile, the Marburg virus, also known as the "bleeding eye virus," has killed 15 in Rwanda. This extremely virulent disease, which is part of the Ebola group of viruses, causes severe hemorrhagic fever and is sometimes accompanied by bleeding from the eyes, nose, and mouth. The case-fatality rate for MVD varies between 24% and 88%. Symptoms of Marburg virus include high fever, muscle pain, severe headache, and gastrointestinal issues, which eventually result in bleeding from various orifices. In the worst cases, shock occurs within 8–9 days.

The spread occurs via contact with contaminated bodily fluid of infected persons or substances. There is no approved vaccine; however, experiments for vaccines are underway. Prevention measures recommended by health officials include wearing proper PPE, contact tracing, and observation restrictions through quarantine protocols to arrest the outbreak.