Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda Sparks International Concern

A recent outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda has alerted global health authorities, marking the first time the country has reported cases of this deadly viral hemorrhagic fever. As of September 29, 2024, the Rwanda Ministry of Health has confirmed 26 cases, including eight deaths, with the number increasing to 29 cases and 10 deaths as of October 1, 2024.

The outbreak was declared on September 27, 2024, after blood samples from suspected cases were tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the National Reference Laboratory of the Rwanda Biomedical Center. The cases are predominantly among healthcare workers from two health facilities in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, accounting for over 70% of the confirmed cases.

Transmission and Risk

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly virulent and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, which is clinically similar to Ebola. The virus is typically transmitted to humans through close contact with Rousettus bats, a type of fruit bat, and can spread from person to person through direct contact with an infected persons body fluids or contaminated equipment and materials.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk of this outbreak as very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level. The presence of cases in Kigali, which has an international airport and road networks connecting to several East African cities, poses a risk of international spread.

Response and Mitigation Efforts

The Government of Rwanda is coordinating the response with support from the WHO and other international partners. Contact tracing is underway, with over 297 contacts registered and under follow-up. Infection prevention and control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) measures are being implemented in all health facilities to prevent further transmission.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has dispatched a team of experts to aid in response efforts in Rwanda and is collaborating with neighboring countries to address cross-border aspects of the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States is also providing support, including deploying subject matter experts to assist with epidemiology, contact tracing, and laboratory testing.

Despite the challenges, Rwandas healthcare system has been praised for its strong response. Dr. Craig Spencer, an emergency medicine doctor who worked during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, noted that Rwandas healthcare system has done an excellent job with epidemiological investigation and contact tracing. However, he emphasized the need for continued vigilance and the importance of supportive care in saving lives.

Global Implications

The outbreak has raised concerns about the potential for regional spread, given the proximity of cases to borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Tanzania. However, no cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States, and the anticipated risk to the general population in the U.S. is considered low.

The WHO and other health organizations are working closely with neighboring countries to review their operational readiness and capabilities to respond to Marburg virus disease. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen regional surveillance and response strategies to contain the outbreak.

Learn More at Direct Post.