Rwanda Seeks to Reassure Amidst Marburg Virus Outbreak
In the wake of a declared outbreak of Marburg virus disease, Rwanda’s Minister of Health has worked to alleviate concerns with a briefing to the diplomatic corps and development partners. At the meeting, Minister Nsanzimana discussed the vaccination strategies being implemented to combat the disease.
A significant step in this effort has been the arrival of 700 doses of a vaccine under trial, which has been offered to health professionals and those who have come into contact with confirmed cases. “We had been communicated that the vaccines are available. I think we took it as a great opportunity to have it and to boost our immune system,” said Augustin Sendegeya, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital. Although the vaccine is still in the trial phase, Sendegeya believes it is safe and could be invaluable for those at risk of becoming infected.
Some medical professionals have also reported no significant side effects from the vaccine. “I don’t even expect much because I saw people who took the vaccine yesterday and they did not have many symptoms,” said Blaise Dushimiyimana, a Gynecologist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. Over 200 people in the country have received the vaccine so far.
Marburg virus disease is a serious and often deadly illness in humans, and Rwanda has seen 13 reported deaths since the outbreak was announced. While the situation is concerning, the swift action taken by the government and healthcare workers to contain the outbreak and provide vaccines to those most at risk offers a glimmer of hope. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that a united effort is needed to combat this disease and protect public health.
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