Rwanda has confirmed an outbreak of the highly contagious Marburg virus, a disease similar to Ebola, resulting in eight deaths so far. The country declared the outbreak just days ago, with no authorized vaccine or treatment available for the deadly hemorrhagic fever.
Marburg, originating in fruit bats, spreads among people through close contact with infected individuals' bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Without treatment, the virus can be fatal in up to 88% of cases.
Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced that 26 cases have been confirmed, with six deaths reported within the first day of the outbreak. Efforts are underway to trace contacts and isolate individuals to prevent further spread.
Symptoms of Marburg include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and potentially fatal blood loss. The source of the disease is yet to be determined, and infected individuals may take between three days and three weeks to show symptoms.
The World Health Organization is providing support to Rwanda to contain the outbreak. The U.S Embassy in Kigali has advised staff to work remotely to minimize exposure.
Additionally, Rwanda has reported cases of mpox, a disease related to smallpox but causing milder symptoms. An mpox vaccination campaign has been launched, with more vaccines expected to arrive in the country.
Marburg outbreaks have been recorded in various African countries in the past, with the virus first identified in 1967 after outbreaks in Germany and Serbia. Rwanda is actively working to control both the Marburg and mpox outbreaks to protect public health.
