In an urgent response to the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has stepped in to provide crucial support for disease management and preparedness. Marburg virus, a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever closely related to the Ebola virus, spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or those who have succumbed to the illness. At present, there have been no confirmed cases reported outside of Rwanda, but the situation remains critical.

Shortly after the Rwandan Ministry of Health announced the outbreak on September 27, 2024, USAID mobilized a specialized Marburg Outbreak Response Team tasked with coordinating comprehensive response efforts. The agency has already allocated an initial $1.35 million from its outbreak response fund to address urgent needs in several key areas, including disease surveillance, contact tracing, case management, and community engagement to mitigate further spread.

The funding has enabled the distribution of essential resources, including Marburg diagnostic kits and equipment sufficient for 288 tests, 2,500 sample collection containers for transporting specimens, and 500 units of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers tackling the crisis directly.

USAID is collaborating closely with various entities, including the Rwandan government, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), among others, to effectively contain the outbreak. These partnerships are also extending support to neighboring countries, ensuring that adequate preparedness measures are in place should the situation escalate.

The Biden-Harris Administration emphasizes the importance of partnership in tackling health emergencies worldwide. With a focus on global health security, the U.S. has been investing in efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats for over 20 years.

To safeguard public health, the U.S. is implementing additional precautions for travelers entering from Rwanda at select airports. Entry screenings and follow-up measures are being deployed to further reduce the potential for Marburg virus transmission during air travel, reinforcing the public’s confidence in international travel safety as the world navigates through this health crisis.

As the outbreak continues to develop, health authorities urge vigilance and underscore the necessity of public awareness and education to combat the fear surrounding the disease. Stay informed and prepared as this situation unfolds.