Rwanda declared an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever, originating in fruit bats and spreading among people through close contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. At least eight people have died and 26 cases have been confirmed, with healthcare workers being among the affected individuals. The public has been urged to avoid physical contact to curb the spread, and some 300 people who came into contact with infected individuals have been identified and isolated.
Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana stated that the source of the disease has not been determined and those infected can take between three days and three weeks to show symptoms. Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhoea, vomiting, and in some cases, death through extreme blood loss. The World Health Organization is providing support to help stop the spread of Marburg in Rwanda. Marburg outbreaks have been recorded in several countries in Africa in the past.
In addition to Marburg, Rwanda has also reported cases of mpox, a disease related to smallpox but causing milder symptoms. Several African countries have been affected by mpox, leading to the WHO declaring a global health emergency. Rwanda has launched a vaccination campaign for mpox, with more vaccines expected to arrive in the country. The government is working to control both the Marburg and mpox outbreaks to prevent further spread of the diseases.
The public has been advised to avoid close contact with infected individuals to prevent the spread of the Marburg virus. Healthcare workers and those who have been in contact with confirmed cases have been identified and isolated to prevent further transmission. The government is intensifying contact tracing and testing to manage the outbreak and stop the spread of the virus. Symptoms of Marburg include fever, muscle pains, diarrhoea, vomiting, and can lead to death through extreme blood loss.
Marburg is a rare disease that has caused outbreaks in several African countries in the past. The World Health Organization is working with Rwandan authorities to provide support and stop the spread of the virus. Health Minister Nsanzimana emphasized the importance of contact tracing and testing to control the outbreak. Efforts are being made to determine the source of the disease and prevent further infections. Rwanda is also addressing the mpox outbreak, with a vaccination campaign and plans for additional vaccines to arrive in the country to control the spread of the disease.
