Dear Editor,

In the heart of Rwanda, a silent and deadly threat is spreading — the Marburg virus.

As at November 11, Rwanda has recorded 66 infected and 11 deaths. Fear grows as the virus moves quickly, not only across borders but also across the minds of nations. The question that lingers is this: Is Marburg contained, or is it only the beginning of a larger, more terrifying journey?

A cousin of the infamous Ebola, Marburg belongs to the Filoviridae family. Emerging from the depths of African rainforests, it is believed to have originated in fruit bats before jumping to humans. First identified in 1967, this virus has reappeared sporadically, causing outbreaks of fever, bleeding, and death. With no vaccine in sight, each eruption reminds us of nature’s raw, unpredictable power.

The Marburg virus starts with symptoms like fever, chills, and muscle aches, but quickly escalates to severe headaches, vomiting, and diarrhoea. As the virus takes hold, it triggers haemorrhagic symptoms — bleeding from the nose, gums, and eyes — as organs begin to fail. The rapid deterioration leaves little time for survival, with the virus draining life faster than the heart can pump.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids like blood, sweat, and saliva, making it especially dangerous in crowded hospitals or caregiving settings. Though not airborne, it spreads through the intimacy of touch, turning everyday interactions into risky exchanges.

The fatality rate of Marburg is terrifying. Previous outbreaks have seen mortality rates as high as 88 per cent, depending on medical care. For those infected, survival is rare, with death often arriving swiftly. Recently, in Germany, fear gripped the nation when a woman suspected of carrying the virus was isolated in Hamburg. While tests later showed no infection, the incident highlighted the global anxiety about Marburg’s potential spread.

The virus’s ability to mutate adds to the fear. It could evolve to become airborne, spreading even more easily, transforming everyday life into a minefield of risks. There’s also the possibility of Marburg being weaponised, turning it from a force of nature into a tool of destruction.

In brighter news, early trials of a Marburg vaccine show promise, offering a glimmer of hope. But time is critical. The vaccine must be ready within months to prevent a global outbreak. Rwanda is already vaccinating health care workers, but Jamaica must prepare, too, as the virus knows no borders.

Jamaica’s Government must act swiftly to prepare for the potential arrival of Marburg. The virus’s deadly potential means that even a small outbreak could devastate our population. This is not just about preventing a pandemic; it’s also about protecting national security from a virus that could be used as a bioweapon.

The call to action is clear — Jamaica must act now, vaccinate and safeguard our future.

Horatio Deer

horatiodeer2357@gmail.com