Marburg scare at Hamburg station ends with relief: Tests negative

There was considerable commotion at the Hamburg train station. At one point, one of the platforms was closed and completely isolated due to a justified fear that two passengers traveling by train had contracted the deadly Marburg virus in Africa. The test results of the woman and man are now known.

On Wednesday, October 2, in the afternoon, a virus alarm was activated at Hamburg's main train station, and a sanitary cordon surrounded the train. It was suspected that a 26-year-old German medical student and his partner, who had arrived from Rwanda, were infected with the Marburg virus.

Both showed flu-like symptoms and were admitted to an infectious disease ward. During his internship, the 26-year-old worked in a hospital and had contact with a patient infected with the virus. He stated he wore the appropriate protective equipment. On the other hand, his girlfriend had no contact with the sick.

Testing of both individuals was conducted at the Hamburg-Eppendorf University Medical Center, and fortunately, the results for the presence of the deadly virus were negative. The PCR test result did not confirm the Marburg virus, reported Hamburg health authorities on Thursday, October 3.

According to Bild, the Hamburg social care authorities stated that the student and his girlfriend did not show symptoms typical of the Marburg virus. The 26-year-old will remain under observation for 21 days, corresponding to the maximum incubation period of the virus.

When the train was stopped, all necessary precautions were taken. Contact information was recorded for 275 train passengers who may have come into contact with them, but it was determined that quarantine measures were not necessary.

German doctors ensured that none of the passengers traveling from Rwanda were at risk because the Marburg virus does not spread through the air, unlike coronaviruses or influenza viruses. The Robert Koch Institute explains that infection occurs only through close contact with a seriously ill person or their bodily fluids.

The Marburg virus, closely related to the Ebola virus, first caused disease outbreaks in 1967 in the German city of Marburg, from which it takes its name. Since then, it has been considered one of the most dangerous pathogens.

The mortality rate for infection ranges from 24 to 90 percent. It causes hemorrhagic fever, accompanied by severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal and external bleeding. There is still no vaccine for it.