Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak Escalates in Rwanda: No Vaccine or Treatment in Sight
Rwanda is currently grappling with a deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, which has already claimed eight lives. The outbreak was declared just days ago, marking a swift and alarming spread of the virus.
According to Rwanda’s Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana, 26 cases have been confirmed since the outbreak was announced on Friday. By Sunday night, eight individuals had died from the virus, which can be fatal in up to 88% of cases if left untreated.
The virus, which originates from fruit bats, spreads through close contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces like bed linens. Without a vaccine or approved treatment, the virus poses a significant public health threat. Symptoms of Marburg include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, death due to extreme blood loss.
Rwanda’s government has urged the public to avoid physical contact to help limit the spread, while efforts to trace and isolate those exposed to the virus are underway. The health ministry has identified around 300 individuals who came into contact with confirmed cases, and an unspecified number are now in isolation.
Health workers have been among the hardest hit by the outbreak, with cases reported in six of Rwanda’s 30 districts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded by increasing its support to Rwanda in managing the outbreak. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the urgency of containing the virus and announced ongoing efforts to assist Rwandan health authorities.
Rwanda’s outbreak of Marburg adds to the global health challenges posed by the virus. Previous outbreaks have been recorded in countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Kenya, and South Africa. First identified in 1967 after outbreaks in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, the virus continues to pose a significant public health threat worldwide.
In addition to the Marburg virus, Rwanda is also dealing with an outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). The country recently launched a vaccination campaign to combat the virus, with more vaccines expected soon. Mpox has affected several African nations, with neighboring Congo reporting the most cases.
The U.S. Embassy in Kigali has urged staff to work remotely and limit in-office visits as Rwanda continues to face this dual public health challenge.
Source: AP
