Rwanda Makes Significant Progress in Containing Marburg Outbreak
Rwanda has made significant headway in containing the Marburg virus outbreak, with no new infections or deaths reported in the past six days, according to the health minister. The update marks a major milestone in the East African country’s efforts to combat the highly infectious and deadly disease.
Health officials confirmed 44 recoveries, leaving only three active cases, and 1,146 contacts have been documented. Crucially, all positive cases have been linked to individuals with previously known exposure to the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) says is a key indicator in managing outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers like Marburg.
The Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, is believed to originate in fruit bats and spreads through close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, and vomiting, and it can lead to death in severe cases. Rwanda declared the outbreak on September 27, and subsequently suspended schools and hospital visits to limit the spread of the virus.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised Rwanda’s efforts, saying, “I can see that the outbreak is being managed under strong leadership.” During his visit to the country, Dr. Tedros assessed the response and support being provided by the WHO and partners. The organization has also commended Rwanda for initiating vaccine trials, highlighting the importance of data to support the approval of vaccines and therapeutics for future outbreaks.
While there are no approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg, early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment can improve survival rates. Notably, Marburg can be fatal in up to 88% of cases if left untreated. This emphasizes the need for international cooperation to combat the disease and develop effective treatments.
The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967, following outbreaks in laboratories in Germany and Yugoslavia. Since then, there have been several reported cases and outbreaks in different regions, making global awareness and preparedness critical in preventing widespread transmission.
For now, Rwanda’s progress in containing the Marburg outbreak is a significant achievement, demonstrating the potential for swift action and collective leadership to minimize the impact of deadly viral diseases.