Rwanda’a Ministry of Health is confronting an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a deadly hemorrhagic fever with a staggering 88% fatality rate, CNN reports.
The outbreak, confirmed last week, has already infected 26 people, resulting in 18 hospitalizations and eight deaths.
While similar to Ebola, Marburg has no known treatments or vaccines, making it a formidable challenge for health officials.
In response to the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched a team of seven global hemorrhagic disease experts to Rwanda, who are providing guidance to local public health specialists. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also deployed experts to support testing and contact-tracing efforts.
Despite the gravity of the situation, officials are emphasizing that the risk to the general population is low, particularly outside of Rwanda. The CDC, which has maintained a presence in Rwanda since 2002, has been instrumental in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
“With Rwanda’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,” stated Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO representative to Rwanda, expressed confidence in the country’s capacity to contain the outbreak.
“I believe Rwanda has the capacity and the ability to stop this outbreak very quickly,” he said on Sunday.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain calm and continue with their daily activities. Officials have identified the disease hotspots and are taking measures to prevent further spread.
The virus has spread to seven of Rwanda’s 30 districts. Over 100 individuals who have had contact with infected people are currently being monitored or kept in isolation, with healthcare workers disproportionately affected.
Marburg virus, a member of the same family as Ebola, is naturally found in fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals or contaminated materials. Unlike COVID-19, Marburg is not airborne, making control measures somewhat easier.
Symptoms typically develop within three weeks of exposure and can include a rash, fever, severe headache, and muscle aches. Severe cases can involve nosebleeds, gum bleeding, eye bleeding, and internal bleeding leading to shock and death.
