The Ministry of Health of Rwanda officially declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak on 27 September 2024. As of 30 September, 27 confirmed cases have been reported, with 9 fatalities. Most of the affected individuals are healthcare workers. Authorities have identified over 297 contacts, all of whom are under close observation.
This is the first time Marburg Virus Diseases is appearing in the country according the country’s Health Ministry.
In a press briefing, it announced that, it is actively collaborating with international partners to contain the outbreak. Preventive measures have been intensified across all health facilities, with contact tracing in full swing and confirmed cases isolated for treatment. The Ministry is urging the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of good hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap, using sanitizers, and observing precautions when interacting with others to prevent the spread of the virus.
Marburg virus disease, a severe haemorrhagic illness, is caused by the Marburg virus, which is transmitted to humans from fruit bats. The virus spreads between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Marburg, and supportive care is the only option available. Preventive measures similar to those used for Ebola are essential to control its spread.
WHO Response
In support of the ongoing efforts, World Health Organization (WHO) says it is mobilizing expertise, outbreak response tools, including emergency medical supplies to help reinforce the control measures being rolled out to curb the virus. A consignment of clinical care and infection prevention and control supplies is being readied and will be delivered to Kigali in the coming days from WHO’s Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi, Kenya.
“We’re rapidly setting all the critical outbreak response aspects in motion to support Rwanda halt the spread of this virus swiftly and effectively,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “With the country’s already robust public health emergency response system, WHO is collaborating closely with the national authorities to provide the needed support to further enhance the ongoing efforts.”
WHO is also coordinating efforts to reinforce collaborative cross-border measures for readiness and response in countries neighbouring Rwanda to ensure timely detection and control of the virus to avert further spread.
Africa CDC
In response to the outbreak, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) deployed a team of experts to Rwanda on 29 September. Africa CDC is also collaborating with Rwanda’s neighboring countries—Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—to manage cross-border risks and enhance regional surveillance efforts.
On 3 October, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, H.E. Sabin Nsanzimana, will join Africa CDC’s Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, in a press briefing to discuss Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to curb the Marburg virus.
Stay tuned to Ghana Health Nest for updates on the situation as we continue to monitor the developments in Rwanda and the region.
