Rwanda Reports At Least 6 Deaths, 26 Cases in Marburg Virus Outbreak

Rwanda is currently experiencing its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. As of late September 2024, 26 confirmed cases and six reported deaths have been reported. The virus has spread to seven of Rwanda's 30 districts, and authorities have placed 20 people in isolation for treatment. Additionally, 161 contacts are under monitoring as investigations trace the outbreak's origin. Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), has implemented emergency measures, including contact tracing, isolation of suspected cases, and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread. MVD is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or animals, particularly fruit bats. Symptoms range from high fever and severe headaches to severe hemorrhagic manifestations, and there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine, though supportive care improves survival chances ​(World Health Organization (WHO)Health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant but avoid panic, while cross-border measures are being strengthened to prevent further spread into neighboring countries​