Rwanda has declared its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a highly infectious and lethal hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. As of September 29, 2024, the country has reported 26 confirmed cases, including eight deaths, with a case-fatality rate of 31%.
Outbreak Details
The cases are spread across seven of Rwanda's 30 districts, namely Gasabo, Gatsibo, Kamonyi, Kicukiro, Nyagatare, Nyarugenge, and Rubavu. Notably, over 70% of the confirmed cases are healthcare workers from two health facilities in Kigali. The patients are being cared for in hospitals, and contact tracing is underway with approximately 300 contacts under follow-up.
The source of the infection is still under investigation, but it is believed that the virus is transmitted from Rousettus bats , a type of fruit bat, to humans through close contact. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or via contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms and Transmission
Symptoms of Marburg virus disease can appear suddenly and include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, severe bleeding leading to death. The incubation period ranges from three days to three weeks.
Public Health Response
The Government of Rwanda is coordinating the response with significant support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. WHO is enhancing its assistance by transporting samples to a regional reference laboratory for confirmation and delivering supplies, including laboratory testing kits and personal protective equipment.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) measures are being implemented in all health facilities. Risk communication and community engagement strategies are also being strengthened to inform and mobilize communities and manage rumors and misinformation.
International Collaboration
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is deploying subject matter experts to assist with the investigation and response to the outbreak. The CDC has a long-standing presence in Rwanda and is working closely with the government to enhance the country's public health emergency response system.
WHO is also working with neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, to review their operational readiness to respond to Marburg virus disease.
Global Context
Marburg virus disease has a high case-fatality rate, potentially reaching up to 88% without treatment. There are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments available, although several promising countermeasures are in clinical trials.
