Rwanda is facing a dangerous health crisis after confirming an outbreak of the highly contagious Marburg virus, a deadly disease with no known cure or vaccine.
According to the Rwandan Ministry of Health, eight people have already succumbed to the hemorrhagic fever, and the number of confirmed cases is rapidly climbing.
The outbreak was officially declared last Friday, and within just 24 hours, six deaths were reported. By Sunday, September 29, the death toll had risen to eight, with 26 confirmed cases in total.
Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana has urged the public to take serious precautions, particularly by avoiding physical contact, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
The Marburg virus, which shares similarities with Ebola, is believed to originate from fruit bats. It spreads among humans through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, such as bed linens.
Without treatment, the fatality rate for Marburg can reach up to 88%, making it one of the deadliest viruses in the world.
Highly Contagious, No Cure in Sight
As health officials scramble to contain the outbreak, approximately 300 people who came into contact with confirmed cases have been identified. Many of these individuals have been placed in isolation facilities as a precautionary measure.
Most of the affected are healthcare workers, and the virus has spread across six of the country’s 30 districts.
“Marburg is a rare disease. We are intensifying contact tracing and testing to help stop the spread,” said Nsanzimana.
The minister added that the source of the outbreak remains unknown, and it could take up to three weeks for infected individuals to show symptoms. Common signs of the disease include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, patients may experience extreme blood loss, which can lead to death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped in to offer support and is working alongside Rwandan authorities to manage the outbreak. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced via social media platform X that efforts are being scaled up to prevent further spread.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali has advised its staff to work remotely and avoid visiting offices until the situation stabilizes.
Marburg is not entirely unfamiliar to the African continent. In previous years, outbreaks have occurred in countries including Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and Uganda.
The virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in labs in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. Researchers working with monkeys were exposed, leading to seven deaths.
Mpox Adds Another Layer of Concern
In addition to the Marburg virus, Rwanda is also grappling with mpox, a disease caused by a virus related to smallpox. Although mpox is generally less severe, Rwanda has already reported six cases. Mpox, once known as monkeypox, is also spreading in several other African nations, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being the epicenter.
Rwanda has launched a vaccination campaign to combat mpox, and more vaccines are expected to arrive soon. Health officials are working hard to prevent the situation from worsening, as the region faces dual health threats.
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