By Reeturaj - Oct 04, 2024
Reports of a potential Marburg virus outbreak in Hamburg have sparked fears of a biological attack. A German medical student, who recently traveled from Rwanda, showed flu-like symptoms, raising concerns of a Marburg infection. Rwanda is currently facing its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak, with nine reported deaths and 27 cases. The affected train in Hamburg was isolated, passengers screened for symptoms, and the train disinfected as a precaution.
Flickr via Google
LATEST
In recent weeks, Hamburg has found itself at the center of a disturbing health crisis that has sparked fears of a biological attack. Reports of a sudden outbreak of a virulent strain of a known virus have led to heightened security measures and widespread panic among residents and travelers alike.
A 26-year-old German medical student and his girlfriend, both of whom recently traveled from Rwanda, exhibited flu-like symptoms during the ride, prompting concerns about a Marburg virus infection. Fire department spokesman Christian Wolter confirmed the student had been in contact with a Marburg patient in Rwanda, but said it was unclear if he had been affected. The student had reportedly come into contact with a Marburg patient in Rwanda, where an outbreak has claimed eight lives.
Marburg is part of the filovirus family that also includes Ebola, which has wreaked havoc in several previous outbreaks in Africa. The virus is spread by contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Rwanda has ruled out enforcing a lockdown to fight Marburg. The East African nation is currently grappling with its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus, with the country’s health ministry confirming that at least nine people have died, and more than 27 cases have been reported so far.
Local health authorities were immediately alerted and deployed to the scene to assess the situation. The affected train was isolated, and all passengers were screened for symptoms. As a precautionary measure, the train was thoroughly disinfected before resuming its journey.