00:00Rwanda has declared an outbreak of the rare Marburg virus, which is similar to Ebola.
00:07It is highly infectious and has already led to deaths, according to the Rwanda Health
00:11Ministry.
00:12According to the NHS Fit for Travel, the Marburg virus is a rare form of a viral haemorrhagic
00:18fever.
00:19It's found in African bats, with the virus spread by people coming into contact with
00:25bats or their environment, such as in caves or in mines.
00:30It can also be spread through contact with people who are infected with the disease and
00:35also monkeys who are infected with the disease.
00:38Symptoms of the Marburg virus can come on suddenly.
00:41In the initial stages, this can include a severe headache, malaise, high fever, and
00:46progressive and rapid debilitation.
00:49By the third day, you can experience watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping,
00:54nausea, and vomiting.
00:56Symptoms can become increasingly severe, with many patients developing a rash after 5-7
01:02days.
01:03According to GOV.UK, the incubation period of the Marburg virus is between 3-10 days,
01:11but in some cases, it can take up to 21 days for the disease to surface after being exposed.
01:18Vaccine trials are currently underway in Rwanda, with US-based non-profit organisations, Sabine
01:23Vaccine Institute, donating 700 doses.
01:26The vaccine programme is aimed at offering protection to frontline healthcare workers
01:30and those most at risk of catching the virus.
01:33For those planning to travel to Rwanda, there is no travel ban to the country.
01:37However, tourists leaving will be required to fill out a symptom screening questionnaire
01:43to help stop spread of the virus.
01:45According to the NHS, the risk of catching Marburg virus is described as extremely low.
01:50However, if you've recently visited Rwanda and suspect you may have symptoms, it's vital
01:55that you seek rapid medical attention by calling NHS 111 or NHS 24 in Scotland.
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