Rwanda’s Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced Sunday that six people have died from an outbreak of Marburg virus in the country, with most of the victims being healthcare workers in the intensive care unit.
The outbreak, confirmed on Friday, has so far resulted in 20 identified cases. Marburg virus, which belongs to the same family as Ebola, has a fatality rate of up to 88% and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats, spreading further through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.
“We are deeply concerned about this outbreak, particularly its impact on our healthcare workers,” Nsanzimana said. “We are taking all necessary measures to contain its spread.”
Symptoms of Marburg virus include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, death through extreme blood loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that while there are no specific treatments or vaccines for the virus, a range of blood products, drugs, and immune therapies are in development.
Rwandan authorities have intensified their response to the outbreak, focusing on contact tracing, surveillance, and testing. The public is being urged to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene by washing hands with clean water and soap or using sanitizer, and report all suspected cases.
“Public cooperation is crucial in our efforts to contain this outbreak,” a spokesperson for the Rwanda Biomedical Centre said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.
This outbreak follows similar incidents in neighboring countries. Tanzania reported an outbreak in 2023, while Uganda experienced three deaths from the virus in 2017.
