Rwanda confirms 27 cases, 9 deaths from Marburg Virus Disease

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed that Rwanda is facing a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak, with 27 cases and nine deaths reported as of September 30, 2024.

The Rwandan Ministry of Health declared the outbreak on September 27, 2024, and efforts are underway to contain the virus.

MVD, a highly infectious and deadly disease similar to Ebola, spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals.

The Africa CDC, along with global health authorities, is closely monitoring the situation and working with Rwandan officials to ensure swift intervention and control of the virus to prevent further spread.

The centre said, “As of September 30, 27 confirmed cases and nine deaths have been reported; most of the cases are health care workers. Over 297 contacts have been registered and are under follow-up.

“The Ministry of Health is working tirelessly in collaboration with relevant partners to contain the deadly virus through enhanced preventive measures in all health facilities. Contact tracing is underway, and cases have been isolated for treatment. The Ministry of Health further urged Rwandans to remain vigilant and strengthen preventive measures by ensuring hygiene, washing hands with soap, sanitizing hands, and taking necessary precautionary measures when in contact with other individuals.”

MVD is a severe and often fatal zoonotic haemorrhagic illness caused by the Marburg virus. The virus is usually transmitted to humans from fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids or with equipment and materials contaminated with infectious blood or tissues.

“There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD, so supportive therapy should be initiated immediately for any individuals presenting with the disease. The same infection prevention and control protocols used for other viral haemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, should be followed to prevent transmission,” it noted.

On September 29th, the Africa CDC dispatched a team of experts to aid in response efforts in Rwanda.

“Africa CDC is also collaborating with the Ministry of Health and neighbouring countries of Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and DR Congo to assist in addressing the cross-border aspects of the outbreak and to provide guidance on regional surveillance strategies to contain the outbreak.

“The Minister of Health of Rwanda, Sabin Nsanzimana, will join the Africa CDC Press Briefing on Thursday, October 3, alongside the Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, to discuss Rwanda’s efforts in curbing the Marburg virus,” it added.

Africa CDC is a continental autonomous public health agency of the African Union that supports member states in efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, and prevention and control of diseases.