As of September 30, 2024, Rwanda has reported 27 confirmed cases and nine fatalities related to Marburg Virus Disease.
The Ministry of Health officially declared an outbreak on September 27, following the alarming rise in cases, primarily among healthcare workers.
In response to the outbreak, over 297 individuals who had contact with confirmed cases are currently under monitoring.
The Rwandan government is actively working with health partners to implement preventive measures, including rigorous contact tracing and isolation of affected individuals for treatment.
Authorities are urging the public to prioritize hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to curb the virus’s spread.
Marburg virus, a zoonotic disease primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans, can also spread through direct contact with the body fluids of infected individuals.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available for Marburg Virus Disease; supportive therapy remains essential for patient care.
To bolster the response efforts, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has dispatched a team to Rwanda.
This team will collaborate with neighboring countries to enhance surveillance and containment measures.
In a further development, Rwanda’s Health Minister is scheduled to participate in a press briefing with the Africa CDC on October 3, where they will discuss the ongoing response strategies.
The Africa CDC will continue to support its member states in strengthening health systems and enhancing disease prevention and control efforts.
