US to Screen Travelers from Rwanda for Marburg Virus

Hey there! Ever heard of Marburg? It’s a nasty virus that can cause fever, bleeding, and serious health issues, similar to Ebola. Well, starting mid-October, the US is going to start checking passengers who've been in Rwanda recently. These travelers will go through specific airports like Chicago O’Hare, JFK in New York, and Washington Dulles. There, they’ll be checked for symptoms like fever, sore throat, vomiting, or skin rashes.

Symptoms of the virus can show up between two to 21 days after being exposed. The good news is, no cases have been found in the US yet. But in Rwanda, things are different. As of now, there are 49 reported cases, and sadly, 12 people have died. That's pretty serious, as Marburg can have a high death rate, up to 88%. Even healthcare workers aren’t safe; 19 of them have been infected. The CDC has been keeping an eye on this, warning doctors about the virus since last year. They say the risk to the public is low. Still, they've issued a level 3 travel warning, asking us to be careful if we must visit Rwanda. If you notice any unusual symptoms like fever, chills, or bruising, quickly isolate yourself and get medical help.

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