Rwandan health authorities are ramping up efforts to contain the spread of the Marburg virus disease, following the confirmation of 26 cases and six deaths.
Story Summary:
- Rwanda has reported 26 confirmed cases of the Marburg virus, with six deaths as authorities intensify efforts to control the outbreak.
- The virus has spread across seven districts, and 161 contacts are being monitored.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) is assisting Rwanda with emergency response tools and medical supplies.
Rwandan authorities rattled by spread of new deadly virus
The outbreak has impacted seven of the country’s 30 districts, prompting urgent containment measures. Currently, 20 patients are in isolation receiving treatment.
According to the Rwandan Ministry of Health, 161 individuals who have come into contact with the confirmed cases are being closely monitored.
Authorities are investigating the origin of the infection while implementing comprehensive response measures to limit the virus’s spread.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is actively supporting Rwanda’s outbreak response.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, stated:
“We’re rapidly setting all the critical outbreak response aspects in motion to support Rwanda halt the spread of this virus swiftly and effectively.”
Dr Moeti emphasised that WHO is collaborating closely with Rwanda’s national authorities to strengthen their response, leveraging the country’s robust public health emergency system.
Everything we know about the Marburg virus outbreak
The Marburg virus, which belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus, is known for being highly virulent, causing hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of up to 88%.
Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and malaise, with severe hemorrhagic symptoms developing within seven days of infection.
The virus is transmitted to humans through fruit bats and spreads among people via direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, surfaces, or contaminated materials.
Currently, there is no licensed vaccine for the Marburg virus. According to WHO, there are several promising medical countermeasures in clinical development.
WHO is coordinating a consortium of experts to promote the development of vaccines and treatments for the virus.
To support Rwanda’s ongoing efforts, WHO is mobilising outbreak response tools, including emergency medical supplies, and will soon deliver a consignment from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi, Kenya.
WHO is also coordinating cross-border efforts to prevent further spread of the virus to neighbouring countries.
Despite the challenges, Rwanda is implementing strong public health measures to control the outbreak, with the support of WHO and other partners.
Rwanda’s authorities continue to monitor contacts and isolate confirmed cases, as well as educate communities on prevention and control measures.
