Rwanda is battling an outbreak of the deadly Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), with 27 confirmed cases and nine fatalities reported as of September 30, 2024.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) disclosed this in a press statement, revealing that most of the affected individuals are healthcare workers.
The Ministry of Health of Rwanda declared the outbreak on September 27, 2024, and has since been working tirelessly to contain the virus. Contact tracing is underway, with over 297 contacts registered and under surveillance. Cases have been isolated for treatment, and the Ministry of Health is collaborating with partners to enhance preventive measures in healthcare facilities.
MVD is a severe and often fatal zoonotic hemorrhagic illness caused by the Marburg virus, typically transmitted to humans from fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated equipment.
The Ministry of Health has urged Rwandans to remain vigilant, emphasizing hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap and sanitizing. With no specific treatment or vaccine available, supportive therapy is crucial for individuals presenting with the disease. Infection prevention and control protocols similar to those used for Ebola are recommended to prevent transmission.
The Africa CDC has dispatched a team of experts to support Rwanda’s response efforts and is collaborating with neighboring countries to address cross-border aspects of the outbreak. The Minister of Health of Rwanda, Sabin Nsanzimana, and the Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, will discuss Rwanda’s efforts to curb the Marburg virus during an Africa CDC Press Briefing on October 3.
