The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that the Republic of Rwanda has recorded 27 cases of Marburg Virus Disease and nine deaths in September.
This is coming from a press statement made available to the public by the Africa Center for Disease Control on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Rwanda had earlier declared a Marburg virus disease outbreak on September 27, 2024, in the country.
The Marburg virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever found in human and non-human primates caused by either of the two Marburg viruses: Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV).
Marburg virus disease was formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, Its clinical symptoms are very similar to that of Ebola virus disease and Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids or with equipment and materials contaminated with infectious blood or tissues.
The Africa Center For Disease Control in the statement released said, “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 Ministry of Health is working tirelessly in collaboration with relevant partners to contain the deadly virus through enhanced preventive measures in all health facilities. Contact tracing is underway, and cases have been isolated for treatment. The Ministry of Health further urged Rwandans to remain vigilant and strengthen preventive measures by ensuring hygiene, washing hands with soap, sanitizing hands, and taking necessary precautionary measures when in contact with other individuals.”
“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,” it noted.
On September 29th, the Africa CDC commissioned a team of experts to aid in response efforts in the Rwanda 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.
“The Minister of Health of Rwanda, Sabin Nsanzimana, will join the Africa CDC Press Briefing on Thursday, October 3, alongside the Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, to discuss Rwanda’s efforts in curbing the Marburg virus,” it futher added.
The Africa CDC is a continental autonomous public health agency of the African Union that supports member states in efforts to strengthen health systems and improve emergency response, prevention and control of diseases.
