During a holiday in Uganda, a Dutch woman was infected with the Marburg virus, which causes Marburg haemorrhagic fever. This is a very serious, very rare infectious disease. The chance of the virus spreading through the Netherlands is very small. So far, no symptoms have been reported by people who have been in contact with the patient.
The patient is currently staying at the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), where she has been fully isolated. Measures have been taken to prevent the infection of other people. Those who have been in contact with the patient during the period when there was a risk of infection have been tracked down. They have been asked to take their own temperature on a daily basis. So far, these people have not reported any symptoms of the disease.
Haemorrhagic fever is a rare syndrome that involves fever and bleeding. Several viruses can cause the disease, including the Marburg virus. A typical symptom is severe haemorrhaging. The disease is contagious and is spread through body fluids.
During her stay in Uganda, the patient in question visited a cave which is known for its large bat population. This is probably where she was infected. A few days after her return to the Netherlands, the woman started experiencing symptoms. She was admitted to the Elkerliek hospital in Helmond on 5 July. Because the patient’s condition deteriorated, she was transferred to the LUMC on 7 July. All necessary measures have been taken to prevent infection of the people around her.
All those who have been in contact with the woman when there was a risk of infection have since been notified. Infection can only occur through the patient's body fluids.
Update
The patient has died during the night of 10 to 11 July at the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC)