Hamburg on alert: suspected Marburg virus on the train!

Hamburg on alert: suspected Marburg virus on the train!

In the past few days, a worrying incident in Hamburg has caused a stir. Two travelers who entered Rwanda are suspected of being infected with the dangerous Marburg virus. This virus, which belongs to the same family as the Ebolavirus, is known for its high mortality rate. The two suspects had arrived in Frankfurt am Main on Wednesday night and then traveled to Hamburg by train. On the train journey, a 26-year-old medical student in particular showed symptoms that could indicate a tropical illness. He immediately informed the doctors in Hamburg, which led to immediate measures.

In Hamburg, the two were brought to the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf by an infection rescue vehicle from the fire brigade. Two tracks were also blocked by the federal police for security to minimize possible transmission risks. The situation is tense because the symptoms of Marburg virus such as high fever, abdominal pain and bloody vomiting are extremely resistant to treatment and in the past ended up to 88 percent of the sick fatally, according to the world health organization.

about the Marburg virus

The Marburg virus was discovered in 1967 and has a terrifyingly high infection rate. It is not transferred through the air, but through direct contact with body fluids, such as saliva or blood. The smallest amounts of these liquids can be enough to cause infection. There are currently cases in Rwanda that cause the risk of national distribution.

Despite the impending danger, it is still unclear whether the two passengers are actually infected. The Hamburg Health Authority expects the results of the diagnoses during the day at the latest. Usually, if this type of infection is suspected, tests can be evaluated within 24 hours. The result will significantly determine whether further precautions are necessary.

What follows?

The uncertainty about the health of the travelers means that the passengers of the train also focus on the investigation. A total of around 275 people were traveling in the ICE in question. The health authority has already accepted the contact details of the passengers in order to be able to contact them if necessary if the suspicion of an infection is confirmed. While no quarantine has been ordered for the fellow travelers, it remains to be seen which measures have to be taken, the test results should be negative.

The constant waiting has tense the situation for everyone involved. At a time when viral illnesses are increasingly worrying, the case in Hamburg has attracted everyone's attention. You have to ask yourself how to react quickly in the event of confirmed diseases to prevent the virus from spreading further. There are important information that will clarify in the further course of which steps must be taken next. Comprehensive reporting on the situation is pursued by various media, and current updates should be observed to keep an eye on developments.

For more information, see the current reports on www.deutschlandfunk.de .