Alarm at Hamburg Station: Medical Student May Carry Marburg Virus After Flight from Rwanda

Student Felt Ill When He Got on the Train

Hamburg – Did the ICE2416 from Frankfurt/Main arrive in Hamburg with the Marburg virus on board?

There was a major alarm at the central station! Tracks 7 and 8 were closed for hours. Helpers in full protective suits were deployed, and around 200 passengers on the train had to remain in their seats.

The reason: A 26-year-old medical student from Hamburg and his girlfriend, who had come from Rwanda, might have contracted the deadly virus! The virus is currently spreading in the East African country. Eight people have died from the virus since Friday, and there are a total of 27 confirmed cases of Marburg infection.

Flu-like Symptoms Already a Day Earlier

It is still unclear whether the two passengers actually carry the virus. Tests are pending. However, contrary to earlier reports, the two did not only develop symptoms during the trip. According to information from BILD, the student already felt ill when he boarded the train in Frankfurt/Main. He reportedly experienced flu-like symptoms even a full day before arriving in Hamburg!

Student Detained and Taken to University Hospital

The health department has so far confirmed only one operation. Alexander Fricke, spokesperson for the Hamburg-Nord district, stated: “The health department initiated a person detention at the central station through the police as part of infection protection.”

An infection rescue vehicle transported the medical student, his girlfriend, and their luggage to the University Hospital Eppendorf (UKE). The doctors there specialize in infectious diseases.

The entire operation lasted until about 5 PM. Passengers were allowed to leave the ICE beforehand. The train then continued its journey back to Frankfurt on schedule—with new passengers and without being disinfected.

What Happens Now?

“We need to find out whether passengers could have been infected in such a short time,” said the spokesperson for Hamburg’s fire department.

Student Had Contact with Marburg-Infected Person

It is clear that the student had arrived by plane from Rwanda. There, he had contact with a patient who later tested positive for the Marburg virus.

It is possible that the Hamburg student was also the reason for the commotion surrounding an earlier flight from Frankfurt to Hamburg. Reportedly, the crew was informed during the flight that a person on board might be infected with the Marburg virus!