Rwanda is facing a serious public health crisis with eight reported deaths linked to the Marburg virus, a highly contagious illness similar to Ebola. The outbreak was officially announced just days ago, and unfortunately, there’s currently no authorized vaccine or treatment available for this dangerous hemorrhagic fever.
Marburg, like Ebola, is thought to start in fruit bats and can spread between humans through close contact with infected bodily fluids or surfaces, including items like bedsheets. If not treated promptly, the virus can lead to death in up to 88% of cases.
After declaring the outbreak on a Friday, Rwandan health officials confirmed the first six deaths the next day, with Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana reporting a total of 26 cases and eight fatalities by Sunday night.
In an effort to manage the outbreak, the public has been advised to minimize physical contact, and authorities have managed to trace around 300 people who were in contact with confirmed cases. Some of these individuals have already been placed in isolation. Notably, many of the cases involve healthcare workers spread across six districts in the country.
Ben Curtis/AP Photo
Nsanzimana emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Marburg is a rare disease.” The government is ramping up contact tracing and testing to help contain the spread. The origin of this outbreak is still under investigation, with symptoms typically appearing between three days to three weeks after exposure. Initial symptoms include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, which can escalate to severe blood loss and death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is increasing its support and will work with Rwandan officials to control the outbreak, as announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on social media.
In light of this outbreak, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali has advised its personnel to work remotely and avoid local offices.
Historically, Marburg outbreaks have emerged in various African countries such as Tanzania, Guinea, Angola, the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana. The virus was first discovered in 1967 after outbreaks occurred in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, claiming seven lives among researchers who came into contact with it.
Additionally, Rwanda is managing six reported cases of mpox, a milder viral disease related to smallpox. An mpox vaccination campaign was launched earlier this month, with more vaccines anticipated soon. The majority of mpox cases have been reported in neighboring Congo, which is currently considered the epicenter of this health emergency.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.