In Rwanda, an alarming discovery has put scientists and health authorities on alert: an abandoned mine housed a colony of more than 10,000 bats carrying the Marburg virus, a highly lethal pathogen with a mortality rate of up to 88%.

What is the Marburg virus and why is it so dangerous?

The Marburg virus is a close relative of Ebola and causes severe hemorrhagic fever, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, and, in most cases, death. It is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or carrier animals, such as fruit bats.

How did the virus spread in the population?

The miners working in rock quarrying came into contact with bats, which facilitated the spread of the virus. Upon returning to their communities, some developed symptoms and transmitted the disease to others, leading to a rapidly expanding outbreak.

Containment and prevention measures

Health authorities have closed the mine and are monitoring the population for symptoms. In addition, biosecurity protocols have been implemented to prevent the virus from spreading to other regions.

This case reinforces the importance of epidemiological surveillance and the protection of natural ecosystems, since many emerging diseases originate from human interaction with wildlife.