The deadly ‘bleeding eye’ virus: What you need to know about the Marburg outbreak and its global implications

Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells indianexpress.com, “The ‘bleeding eye’ virus, officially known as the Marburg virus, is a highly infectious and often fatal virus belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus (Filoviridae). First identified in 1967 during outbreaks in Germany and Yugoslavia linked to laboratory monkeys imported from Uganda, it has since caused sporadic outbreaks in Africa.”

What makes it deadly

According to Dr Hiremath, “The Marburg virus causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever, with a mortality rate ranging from 23% to 90%, depending on the outbreak and available healthcare facilities. Death often occurs within 8–9 days of symptom onset, typically due to severe blood loss or multi-organ failure.”

Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and malaise. As the disease progresses, patients experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and significant bleeding (both internal and external). The term ‘bleeding eye virus’ comes from bloodshot or hemorrhaging eyes observed in some cases.

Dr Hiremath adds that the virus replicates rapidly, overwhelming the immune system and causing widespread inflammation and vascular damage, leading to shock and organ failure.

“Marburg is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids (blood, saliva, sweat, urine, vomit) of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. This ease of transmission makes controlling outbreaks extremely challenging,” he notes.

Dr Hiremath informs that Marburg virus outbreaks are “typically localised and less likely to cause global pandemics” (Source: Freepik)

Why is it difficult to develop a vaccine or treatment for it?

Developing vaccines or treatments for the Marburg virus is challenging due to several factors, says Dr Hiremath, which are:

Rarity and Sporadic Outbreaks: The virus occurs in isolated outbreaks, limiting opportunities for large-scale research and clinical trials. This sporadic nature also reduces pharmaceutical companies’ incentives to invest in vaccine development.

Complex Pathophysiology: The virus targets multiple organs, causing widespread damage that is difficult to counteract. Its ability to suppress the immune system further complicates treatment.

Lack of Established Therapies: Unlike some other viruses, no widely approved antiviral drugs specifically targeting Marburg exist. Research into promising candidates, like monoclonal antibodies and antiviral agents, is ongoing but remains in early stages.

Resource Constraints in Affected Areas: Outbreaks often occur in resource-limited regions, making implementing sophisticated treatment protocols or conducting clinical trials challenging.

Similar Challenges as Ebola: The Marburg virus shares many characteristics with Ebola, for which vaccines and treatments were only recently developed after decades of research. Marburg’s rarity further delays similar progress.

How can travellers to affected regions protect themselves?

Dr Hiremath suggests avoiding contact with infected individuals or high-risk areas like caves with Rousettus bats and bushmeat sources to prevent viral hemorrhagic fever. Practice strict hygiene by washing hands often and avoiding face-touching. Use protective gear such as masks and gloves, stay informed through WHO and CDC updates, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like fever or muscle pain appear after exposure to high-risk environments.

Could the Marburg virus outbreak lead to a global health crisis?

Dr Hiremath informs that Marburg virus outbreaks are “typically localised and less likely to cause global pandemics” than airborne viruses like COVID-19, but the high fatality rate, human-to-human transmission, and increased global travel pose significant risks. Effective containment relies on rapid diagnosis, isolation, contact tracing, public awareness, international collaboration, and advancing research in diagnostics and treatments to prevent widespread transmission and manage future outbreaks.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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