Rwanda confirms 27 Marburg virus cases, nine deaths, Africa CDC responds

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed that Rwanda is dealing with 27 cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), resulting in nine deaths as of September 30, 2024.

This information was disclosed in a press statement issued by Africa CDC on Tuesday.

The Republic of Rwanda’s Ministry of Health officially declared an outbreak of the Marburg virus on September 27, 2024.

“As of September 30, 27 confirmed cases and nine deaths have been reported; most of the cases are health care workers. Over 297 contacts have been registered and are under follow-up,” the centre said.

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The Ministry of Health is collaborating with partners to contain the virus through enhanced preventive measures across health facilities. The ministry is actively conducting contact tracing and isolating cases for treatment. Citizens have been urged to stay vigilant and maintain hygiene by washing hands with soap, using sanitizers, and taking precautions when interacting with others.

MVD is a severe, often fatal zoonotic haemorrhagic disease caused by the Marburg virus, typically transmitted to humans from fruit bats. It can also spread between humans through contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.

“There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD, so supportive therapy should be initiated immediately for any individuals presenting with the disease. The same infection prevention and control protocols used for other viral haemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, should be followed to prevent transmission,” the statement added.

On September 29, the Africa CDC sent a team of experts to support Rwanda’s response to the outbreak.

“Africa CDC is also collaborating with the Ministry of Health and neighbouring countries of Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and DR Congo to assist in addressing the cross-border aspects of the outbreak and to provide guidance on regional surveillance strategies to contain the outbreak,” it stated.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Sabin Nsanzimana, will join a press briefing on Thursday, October 3, alongside Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya to discuss the ongoing efforts to combat the Marburg virus.

Africa CDC, an autonomous public health agency of the African Union, supports member states in strengthening health systems and improving disease surveillance, emergency response, and control measures.