As of today, the Rwandan health ministry has reported ten deaths linked to the highly contagious Marburg virus, with 29 confirmed cases since the outbreak declaration just days ago. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana emphasized the urgent measures being taken, stating, “We are intensifying contact tracing and testing to help stop the spread.” He also noted that the source of the current outbreak has yet to be identified, raising concerns about potential ongoing transmission.
The Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, is believed to originate from fruit bats. It spreads through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, including bedding, clothing, needles, and medical equipment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that the virus does not transmit through the air, making direct contact the primary mode of infection. Given its transmission dynamics, the risk of outbreaks in healthcare settings, particularly where infection control measures are inadequate, is particularly high.
First identified in 1967, the Marburg virus caused simultaneous outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, resulting in seven deaths among researchers working with infected monkeys. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in various African countries, including Uganda, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Previous outbreaks have been relatively contained, but the rapid increase in cases in Rwanda has raised alarms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines symptoms of the virus, which include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, rash, chest pain, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Symptoms typically appear between three days and three weeks after exposure to the virus. In severe cases, patients may experience bleeding from various sites such as the gums, nose, and anus, along with shock, delirium, and organ failure. Without treatment, the Marburg virus can be fatal in up to 88% of those infected, making it one of the deadliest viruses known.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments specifically designed for the Marburg virus. Experimental treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, have shown promise in clinical trials but are not widely available. In response to the outbreak, Rwanda has activated its emergency response plan, which includes heightened surveillance, public health education, and the establishment of treatment centers.
The Rwandan government has urged the public to remain vigilant and practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with infected individuals. Health authorities are also working closely with international partners and the WHO to manage the outbreak and contain its spread.
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