Suspected Marburg Virus Cases in Germany Test Negative

On October 3, 2024, German health authorities confirmed that two individuals suspected of contracting the Marburg virus have tested negative. The incident involved a 26-year-old medical student and their partner, who sought medical attention after returning from Rwanda, where the virus outbreak is ongoing.

The potential cases drew considerable attention after emergency crews in protective gear evacuated a train from Frankfurt due to concerns about a possible infection. The two passengers contacted medical professionals with fears of having contracted the virus after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

The health scare occurred following the students’ recent return from Rwanda, a country currently dealing with an outbreak of the Marburg virus, as reported by the Rwandan health ministry. The ministry noted that the outbreak had resulted in several cases and eight fatalities as of the previous Sunday.

In a statement issued by Hamburg’s social affairs department, it was revealed that the medical student tested negative for the Marburg virus using a PCR test. The department highlighted that the individual had not exhibited any symptoms indicative of the disease at any time.

It was earlier reported by Hamburg authorities that the individuals had developed symptoms reminiscent of the flu while traveling. The Hamburg Fire Department noted one person had experienced mild vomiting.

According to statements, both individuals had been in a Rwandan hospital around September 25, where they were in contact with a Marburg-infected patient, albeit with adequate protective measures. The partner of the student also tested negative and exhibited minor symptoms related to a different illness. This person had no direct contact with infected individuals.

The Hamburg authority reassured the public that there was no risk posed to fellow passengers on either the train or plane at any time. However, the medical student will remain under observation until the end of the virus’s incubation period, which can last up to 21 days, as a precautionary measure.

The Marburg virus is known to cause severe symptoms such as fever, convulsions, vomiting of blood, and diarrhea, with a fatality rate reaching up to 88 percent. The infection spreads through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.