The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported that Rwanda is experiencing a serious outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), with 27 confirmed cases and nine deaths as of September 30, 2024. The Ministry of Health of Rwanda declared the outbreak on September 27, 2024.
Most of the confirmed cases involve healthcare workers, prompting urgent action from health authorities. The Africa CDC noted that over 297 contacts have been registered and are currently under follow-up.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with relevant partners to implement enhanced preventive measures in health facilities. Contact tracing is actively underway, and infected individuals have been isolated for treatment. Health officials have urged the public to maintain hygiene practices, including regular hand washing and sanitization, and to take necessary precautions when interacting with others.
Marburg virus is a severe zoonotic hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans primarily from fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids or contaminated materials. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD; supportive therapy is crucial for those showing symptoms. Infection prevention protocols used for other viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, should also be employed.
In response to the situation, Africa CDC dispatched a team of experts to assist with the outbreak. They are collaborating with the Ministry of Health and neighboring countries—Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—to enhance cross-border surveillance and response strategies.
Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Sabin Nsanzimana, is scheduled to join a press briefing on October 3, alongside Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya, to discuss the ongoing efforts to combat the outbreak.
Africa CDC is the autonomous public health agency of the African Union, dedicated to strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing emergency response across member states.
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