Healthcare Workers Among Victims as Rwanda Faces First-Ever Marburg Virus Outbreak
KIGALI, RWANDA- Six people have died following an outbreak of the Marburg virus in Rwanda, according to the country’s health minister, Sabin Nsanzimana. Among the victims are healthcare workers who were exposed while caring for patients in a hospital intensive care unit.
Rising Case Numbers and Swift Response
Since the outbreak was confirmed last Friday, 20 cases have been reported, most of them in the capital, Kigali. Health officials are intensifying efforts to contain the virus, including tracking 300 individuals who have had contact with infected patients.
A Fatal Virus with No Cure
Marburg, a highly lethal virus with a fatality rate of up to 88%, is in the same family as Ebola. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms range from fever and muscle pain to severe diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, the virus can lead to death from extreme blood loss.
There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines for Marburg, though the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that various therapies, including blood products and immune treatments, are under development.
Public Safety Measures and Government Action
Rwandan health authorities have ramped up testing, contact tracing, and surveillance to curb the outbreak. The public is urged to avoid physical contact, frequently wash their hands, and report any suspected cases.
The US embassy in Kigali has advised its employees to work remotely for the next week in response to the outbreak. This marks Rwanda’s first confirmed case of the Marburg virus, following outbreaks in neighboring Tanzania in 2023 and Uganda in 2017.
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