Rwandan health authorities are on pandemic alert following the discovery of Marburg virus, with at least 26 confirmed cases and at least six deaths reported so far.
Cases of the virus have been reported in seven of the country's 30 provinces. Twenty cases have been isolated and are receiving treatment, while 161 people who have been in contact with the cases reported so far have been identified and are being monitored, while the authorities strengthen comprehensive response measures and deepen the investigation to determine the origin of the infection.
To support ongoing efforts, WHO is mobilizing its outbreak control expertise and tools, including emergency medical supplies, to help strengthen control measures in place to stop the virus. A package of supplies for clinical care and infection prevention and control is being prepared and will be delivered to Kigali in the coming days from the WHO Emergency Response Center in Nairobi, Kenya.
“We are working quickly to put all essential aspects of the outbreak response in place to help Rwanda stop the spread of this virus quickly and effectively,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Given the country’s already strong public health emergency response system, WHO is working closely with national authorities to provide the necessary support to further strengthen ongoing efforts.”
WHO is also coordinating efforts to strengthen cross-border preparedness and response measures in countries neighboring Rwanda, to ensure timely detection and control of the virus and prevent further spread.
Although there are several promising medical countermeasures advancing in clinical development, there is currently no approved vaccine to effectively combat Marburg virus. The World Health Organization is coordinating a consortium of experts to promote the preclinical and clinical development of Marburg virus vaccines and treatments.
Marburg virus is highly dangerous and causes hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 88%. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. The illness caused by Marburg virus begins suddenly with high fever, severe headache, and extreme malaise. Many patients develop severe bleeding symptoms within seven days. The virus is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and spreads between humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, surfaces, and materials.
