After mpox outbreak, Africa is under the threat of yet another virus outbreak, this is the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. So far, six people have died from the outbreak, confirmed the health minister. Most victims were the healthcare workers in the hospital's intensive care unit. As per reports, 20 cases have been identified since the outbreak was confirmed on Friday.

What Is Marbug Virus?

With the fatality rate of 8% it is the same virus family as Ebola. The main carrier is from fruit bats which spreads to humans then through the contact of bodily fluids of infected individuals, it spreads to others.

Common Signs And Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of the Marburg virus include fever, pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and in the case of extreme blood loss, death too can happen.

So far, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. However, treatments like drugs and immune therapy are being developed as per the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Call Of Action

Rwanda says that it has intensified its contact tracing, surveillance and testing to contain the spread. It has also tracked about 300 people who had come into contact with individuals affected by the Marburg virus.

The health minister has urged people to stay vigilant and avoid any physical contact and to wash their hands with clean water, soap or sanitiser and report any suspected case.

As of now, most of the cases have spread to the capital in Kigali. In light of this, the US Embassy in the city has advised its employees to work remotely for the next week.

This is the first time Rwanda has confirmed for Marburg cases, before this, in 2023, Tanzania confirmed the outbreak, whereas three people had died of this in Uganda in 2017.

History Of Marburg

As per WHO, this virus kills half of the people it infects. In the previous outbreaks, it has killed between 24% to 88% of the patients.

The virus was first detected in 1976 after 31 people were infected, out of which 7 died in simultaneous outbreak in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and Belgrade in Serbia.

The source was traced to African green monkeys who were imported from Uganda. However, other animals too are linked to the virus spread, including bats.

In the past, the virus outbreaks have happened in countries like Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. In 2005, this virus killed 300 people in Angola.

However, for the rest of the world, only two people have died from the virus in the rest of the world, with one of them being in Europe, and the other in the US. These both have been on expeditions to caves in Uganda.

There have been six suspected cases of hantavirus — a rare but potentially deadly virus transmitted primarily by rodents — of which three have died, said the World Health Organization (WHO).

The suspected hantavirus outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship, Oceanwide Expeditions, in the Atlantic Ocean. It was travelling to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde from Argentina. The three people dead include a Dutch husband and wife, as well as a German national, according to the operator of the ship.

Speaking to the media, Maria Van Kerkhove, Director (a.i) Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, WHO, said that the WHO is working with countries involved in the response to the hantavirus cases onboard a ship off Cabo Verde, as well as the ship's operators, and carrying out risk assessments to guide next steps.

“As of the fourth of May, there have been six suspected cases reported. Three cases have unfortunately died. One patient is currently ill in the ICU in South Africa, while two patients remain on board and will be evacuated for medical treatment. About a hundred and fifty people, including passengers and crew, are on the ship,” Van Kerkhove said.

The patient in the ICU is a 69-year-old UK national.

“The patient is still in critical condition in isolation but receiving medical attention,” according to a statement by South Africa’s Department of Health (DoH).

The WHO noted that it is working with countries to evacuate the two sick people on board to the Netherlands for medical care.

“At present, there are no other symptomatic people on the ship, but this is being carefully monitored,” Van Kerkhove said.

Adding that laboratory tests are also ongoing, she stated that “based on current information and what we know about the virus from previous outbreaks, the overall risk to the public is low.”

Also Read: Hantavirus Kills 3 on Cruise Ship: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

Hantavirus: How did the outbreak begin?

Some of the passengers onboard the Oceanwide Expeditions, travelling to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde from Argentina, with some 150 passengers, began experiencing serious health complications while the ship was travelling past South African shores. Initially, it was considered a severe acute respiratory infection; later, three people died.

“[The] first patient was a 70-year-old male passenger who suddenly became ill on the ship en route from Ushuaia to St Helena Island. Unfortunately, he passed away on arrival at St Helena Island. His mortal remains are in St Helena, awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands,”," South Africa’s DoH said.

The initial symptoms included:

• fever,
• headache,
• abdominal pain,
• diarrhea.

Hantavirus Alert: 890 US Cases

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that by the end of 2023, 890 cases of hantavirus disease were reported in the United States since surveillance began in 1993.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) became a nationally notifiable disease in 1995 in the US.

Read More: CDC Flags Surge in US Tuberculosis Outbreaks, Cases Double Since 2017

What Is Hantavirus?

Globally, an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 hantavirus infections occur each year. The majority of these cases are in Asia, particularly China. Most are sporadic or occur in small clusters, linked to contact with infected rodents.

“Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. Infection with hantaviruses is found in many parts of the world. Thousands of infections are estimated to occur each year," Van Kerkhove said.

Infection in people can result in severe illness and often death, although the diseases vary by type of virus and geographical location. In the Americas, infection has been known to lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart, while in Europe and Asia, hantaviruses have been known to cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which primarily affects the kidneys and blood vessels.

Notably, the WHO has not specified the type of hantavirus or syndrome in the cruise incident, but did mention respiratory risks.

The hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents through

• exposure to their urine,
• droppings,
• saliva,
• less commonly through a scratch or bite.

According to the CDC, symptoms can appear one to eight weeks after exposure, initially presenting fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, it can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness as fluid accumulates in the lungs.

The CDC reports that about one-third of individuals who develop respiratory symptoms from the disease may not survive.

Hantavirus: How Can You Reduce Your Risk?

You can reduce your risk by eliminating and minimizing your contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite.

Other effective measures include:

• keeping homes and workplaces clean
• sealing openings that allow rodents to enter buildings
• storing food securely
• using safe cleaning practices in areas contaminated by rodents
• avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
• dampening of contaminated areas before cleaning
• strengthening hand hygiene practices.

In an ever-evolving world, people are always looking for something more convenient. Thanks to this never-ending search for an easier way out, even the ways of using medicine have changed. From popping pills to now using nasal sprays for decongestion, the way we deal with a cold or the flu has also changed. But just like all other aspects of life, one must know where to stop. Unsurprisingly, cases of nasal spray addiction have come to light, and the consequences are not pretty.

What happens when nasal sprays are used in excess?

In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stated that excessive use of nasal spray can lead to ‘rebound congestion’ and other major side effects. While people were mindlessly using nasal sprays for seven days in a row, a new advisory limits use to just five days. Brits are reportedly becoming addicted to nasal sprays because of excessive use to relieve blocked noses, thereby causing damage to the tissues inside.

What are the symptoms of overuse of nasal sprays?

Decongestant sprays constrict inflamed blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby relieving congestion. In the short term, they work well. However, if used too much, the blood vessels in the nasal passages become sensitive to ingredients like xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. These passageways also start to swell when the medication wears off. In the long run, addiction or overuse of nasal sprays can lead to the following symptoms:

1. Damage to the sensitive lining of the nose
2. Dependence on the spray
3. Crusting
4. Dryness in the nose
5. Sleep problems
6. Palpitations
7. Anxiety
8. Irritation
9. Reduced effectiveness of the spray

Consequences of nasal spray addiction

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Samir Garde, Director of the Department of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, said, “Many people have a habit of using nasal sprays mindlessly. So, even though they tend to provide that much-needed relief, they can take a toll on well-being. Using nasal sprays too often, particularly decongestant sprays, can do more harm than good. While they give quick relief from a blocked nose, overuse can lead to a problem called rebound congestion. This happens when the nose becomes even more blocked once the effect wears off. This can make people dependent on the spray and even cause addiction. Moreover, excessive use also dries out the nasal lining, causing irritation, burning, or even small nosebleeds.”

Some people may experience headaches or a constant feeling of stuffiness that can disturb peace of mind and interfere with daily routine. In the long run, it can damage the sensitive tissues inside the nose and reduce the spray’s effectiveness. So, use nasal sprays strictly as per a doctor’s advice. Do not overdo it. Anything done in excess can be harmful to health. Take charge of your wellbeing and follow medical advice carefully.

In a bid to ensure safe healthcare environments, India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has launched a nationwide Fire Safety Week across healthcare facilities.

The Fire Safety Week will be observed from May 4 to May 10 across the country. The theme of this year’s Fire Safety Week is “Safe Schools, Safe Hospitals, and a Fire-Safety Aware Society: Together for Fire Prevention”.

Fire safety in healthcare facilities is a critical component of patient safety and health system resilience. Hospitals house vulnerable patients, high electrical loads, oxygen-rich environments, and complex medical equipment, making them particularly susceptible to fire hazards.

"Fire Safety Week provides an important opportunity to reassess existing infrastructure, evaluate whether facilities have been adequately audited, and identify gaps and discrepancies that need to be addressed," said Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, while launching the initiative.

Emphasizing capacity building, she stressed that healthcare professionals must be adequately trained and sensitized to effectively respond to fire emergencies.

How Will Fire Safety Week Be Conducted?

The nationwide campaign is designed to go beyond awareness and focus on actionable preparedness. States and healthcare institutions will:

• Conduct mock fire drills to test evacuation readiness
• Train staff in handling fire extinguishers and emergency protocols
• Review infrastructure such as alarms, sprinklers, and exits
• Promote compliance with fire safety norms
• Such drills have already shown impact in local initiatives. Additionally, capacity-building exercises will help administrators identify vulnerabilities and implement corrective measures.

Recognizing the increasing need to strengthen preparedness and ensure continuity of healthcare services during emergencies, the Health Ministry has also developed the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026). This is a revised version of the Fire and Life Safety Guideline (2020).

What Do The Revised Guidelines Say

The primary objective of the guidelines is to provide a standardized and practical framework to strengthen fire prevention and response mechanisms in healthcare facilities. Key features of the revised guidelines include:

• Strengthened governance framework: The 2026 guidelines introduce clearly defined institutional roles, responsibilities, and committee structures, strengthening accountability beyond the action-oriented approach of the 2020 guidelines.
• Introduction of structured risk assessment approach: The guidelines incorporate systematic fire hazard assessment and risk categorization, enabling prioritization of safety measures based on vulnerability.
• Improved patient-centric evacuation planning: It expands evacuation planning with specialized protocols for vulnerable patient groups such as ICU, NICU, PICU, and operation theatre patients.
• Expanded coverage of fire safety infrastructure systems: It provides more comprehensive guidance on fire detection, suppression, electrical safety, medical gas systems, HVAC integration, and smoke management.
• Training and capacity building framework: It formalizes structured training programs, mock drills, and role-based preparedness mechanisms for healthcare personnel.
• Inclusion of detailed operational annexures: It introduced expanded annexures covering unit-specific (ICU, NICU, etc.) safety practices, evacuation methods, and fire safety equipment requirements.
• Strengthened institutional preparedness mechanisms: The guidelines integrate preparedness across governance, infrastructure, and response systems to enhance readiness during emergencies.
• Promotion of a safety-oriented organizational culture: It emphasizes continuous monitoring, periodic audits, and awareness activities to institutionalize long-term fire safety practices.

These guidelines are expected to:

• Strengthen fire safety preparedness across public and private healthcare facilities
• Reduce risk of fire-related incidents and associated loss of life
• Improve the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and visitors
• Enhance continuity of essential health services during emergencies
• Promote fire safety practices across states and union territories.