Urgent Alert: Marburg Virus Hits Rwanda - Growing Outbreak Raises Concerns!

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 1, 2024 – A shocking outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been declared by the Rwandan Ministry of Health on September 27, 2024. As of September 30, the country has reported 27 confirmed cases and 9 tragic deaths, with a significant number of affected individuals being health care workers. Currently, over 297 contacts are under rigorous follow-up to prevent further spread.

The Rwandan authorities are taking immediate action, collaborating with various partners to combat the dangerous virus. Enhanced preventive measures are being implemented across health facilities, and contact tracing is a top priority. Patients showing symptoms of the virus are being isolated for urgent treatment. Health officials have strongly urged the public to remain alert and adhere to strict hygiene protocols—such as frequent handwashing with soap, using hand sanitizers, and exercising caution in social interactions.

Marburg virus disease is an extremely serious zoonotic haemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, typically transmitted to humans through fruit bats. The disease can spread from person to person via direct contact with an infected individual’s bodily fluids or contaminated materials. There is currently no vaccination or specific treatment available for MVD; hence, immediate supportive therapy is crucial for those infected. Protocols established for controlling viral haemorrhagic fevers like Ebola should be employed to stem this outbreak’s tide.

In a proactive response, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) dispatched a team of experts to Rwanda on September 29 to assist with containment efforts. This collaboration extends to neighboring countries—Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and DR Congo—to address cross-border health surveillance and outbreak management effectively.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, H.E. Sabin Nsanzimana, is scheduled to join an Africa CDC Press Briefing on October 3, alongside Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya. This briefing is expected to provide key insights into the nation’s strategies to curb the Marburg virus and bolster public health safety.

As the situation evolves, the urgency for public awareness and adherence to health guidelines cannot be overstated. Stay tuned for more updates and please prioritize your health and safety during this critical time.