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Deadly outbreak of Marburg, or ‘bleeding eye virus,’ leads to travel advisory

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Deadly outbreak of Marburg, or ‘bleeding eye virus,’ leads to travel advisory

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Health officials continue to monitor an outbreak of Marburg virus — also known as “bleeding eye virus” — in Rwanda, which has sparked concerns about a potential spread outside the country.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory on Nov. 22, recommending that travelers exercise “increased caution” in Rwanda due to the outbreak.

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“Travelers may be subject to additional health screenings [when] entering and exiting Rwanda,” the advisory stated.

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What is Marburg virus?

Similar to the Elbola virus, Marburg is a “rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever” that is highly deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It has a 20% to 90% fatality rate.

Similar to the Elbola virus, Marburg is a “rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fever” that is highly deadly. (iStock)

The first case in Rwanda was confirmed in September. As of Nov. 29, the country had reported 66 cases of the virus and 15 deaths. Most of the infected people have been health care workers.

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Approximately 75% of the patients with Marburg have recovered, according to the CDC.

There have not been any confirmed cases in the United States, and the CDC says the risk of infection in the country is low.

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“Marburg is one of the deadliest viruses that infect humans,” Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

“It is very similar to Ebola in that it causes hemorrhagic fever.”

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Symptoms of the virus

Initial symptoms usually mimic the flu, including fever, body aches, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting.

The interval between infection and symptoms is typically two to 21 days, according to Siegel.

Dr. Marc Siegel previously spoke to Fox News about the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. (Fox News)

In severe cases, patients may experience extreme weight loss, jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging and multi-organ dysfunction, the CDC stated.

It can also cause bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth or gastrointestinal tract, hence the nickname “bleeding eye virus.”

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The virus is transmitted via bodily surfaces, blood and contact with contaminated surfaces, according to Siegel.

The “primary reservoir” (natural host) for the virus is the Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), the CDC noted.

The “primary reservoir” (natural host) for the virus is the Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). (Getty Images)

“There are no adequate drugs or vaccines for Marburg,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.

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Medical providers can manage symptoms with supportive care, including oxygen, pain medications and IV fluids for rehydration.

“There are other treatments in the works, including an experimental vaccine,” the doctor noted.

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For those who succumb to the disease, death usually occurs within eight to nine days after symptom onset, Siegel said — typically due to blood loss.

Although the doctor said there is a risk of intercontinental spread, he does not believe it is contagious enough for a widespread outbreak.

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Prevention of Marburg

To avoid contracting the virus, the CDC has issued the following recommendations on its website.

If there are no more new cases by Dec. 22, 2024, the outbreak in Rwanda will be declared over. (iStock)

  • Avoid contact with the blood and bodily fluids of those who are experiencing symptoms.
  • Do not touch items that may have come in contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
  • Avoid contact with Egyptian rousette bats and non-human primates in areas where Marburg cases have been reported.

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In order for a Marburg outbreak to be officially over, there must be a period of 42 days without any new infections after the last recovered patient has had two negative tests 48 hours apart, according to the CDC. 

If there are no more new cases by Dec. 22, 2024, the outbreak in Rwanda will be declared over.

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3 Best Peptides for Weight Loss—and the Viral One Doctors Say To Skip

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3 Best Peptides for Weight Loss—and the Viral One Doctors Say To Skip


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Best Peptides for Weight Loss After 50 and One To Skip




















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Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state

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Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state

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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.

This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.

The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.

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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.

A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)

Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.

Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.

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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.

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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.

The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.

Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)

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Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.

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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.

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Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)

Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.

Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.

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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.

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Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.

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Dr Oz links obesity to chronic disease surge, says GLP-1s can ‘jumpstart’ better health

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Dr Oz links obesity to chronic disease surge, says GLP-1s can ‘jumpstart’ better health

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GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.

“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”

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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.

Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.

Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)

“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.

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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”

Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.

The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)

“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”

Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.

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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”

“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”

Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)

While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.

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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”

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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”

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