Marburg virus claims 11 lives in Rwanda amid growing outbreak

Rwanda is currently facing its first outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious pathogen related to Ebola. Since its discovery in September, the virus has led to the deaths of eleven people. Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana confirmed that efforts to contain the outbreak also include clinical trials of experimental vaccines and treatments. Marburg virus is known to cause hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms often appearing two to 21 days after infection. Fatal cases usually involve internal bleeding, which can occur within five to seven days of the onset of symptoms.

What is the Marburg virus?

The Marburg virus, part of the Filoviridae family, shares similarities with Ebola but is often considered more serious. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the mortality rate can vary between 24% and 88%. This virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and at the same time in Belgrade, Serbia. The disease is mainly transmitted by fruit bats, especially those in caves or mines. However, once a person contracts the virus, it spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids.

Current situation in Rwanda

The Rwandan Ministry of Health has confirmed 36 cases, of which 25 people are in isolation. The outbreak has disproportionately affected healthcare workers, with 70% of cases occurring in two facilities. Experts, such as global health professor Amira Roess of George Mason University, attribute this to inadequate infection control measures in under-resourced settings. Rwanda is also closely monitoring 300 people who have come into contact with infected individuals.

Global response and risk

Although the WHO considers the risk in Rwanda to be very high, the global threat remains low. The virus has not been detected outside the country during this outbreak, despite concerns when two passengers in Germany feared this could be the case exposed. The situation remains under control and authorities in Germany confirmed that the passengers tested negative at Marburg.

Preventing the spread

To prevent infection, experts recommend practicing good hygiene and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals. Although there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Marburg, research is progressing. Clinical trials are underway in Rwanda, with vaccine candidates in development from institutions such as the Sabin Vaccine Institute and the University of Oxford.

Roess emphasized the need for global cooperation to fund prevention efforts and warned that the virus could spread beyond Rwanda if not taken seriously.