At least six people have died as the deadly Marburg virus spread for the first time in Rwanda. The country’s Health Minister Sabine Nsanzimana confirmed that most of the victims were health workers in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Twenty-six cases have been confirmed since Friday. Authorities are tracking about 300 people who may have been exposed to the virus, most of whom are in the capital Kigali. To contain its spread, the government is implementing measures such as contact tracing, isolating affected individuals and launching public health awareness campaigns.
What is Marburg virus?
Marburg virus is a highly infectious disease similar to Ebola. According to the World Health Organization, the disease has a high mortality rate, ranging from 24 percent to 88 percent depending on the outbreak and health care response.
This virus was first identified in 1967. The outbreak, linked to African green monkeys imported from Uganda, occurred simultaneously in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, causing 31 infections and seven deaths at the time.
How does the virus spread?
The primary vector of Marburg virus is the Egyptian rousette fruit bat, which can spread the virus to humans. African green monkeys and pigs may also carry this virus.
This virus spreads through contact between humans:
- Bodily fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, etc.)
- contaminated bedding or surfaces
- Infected semen, which may remain infectious for several months after recovery
symptoms
Symptoms may begin suddenly and include:
- high fever
- severe headache
- muscle pain
After about three days, patients report severe symptoms such as:
- watery diarrhea
- stomach pain
- vomit
- Bleeding from different parts of the body
According to WHO, “The appearance of patients in this stage has been described as ‘ghost-like’ painted features, dark eyes, expressionless faces and extreme lethargy.”
Excessive blood loss and shock can result in death within eight to nine days after symptoms appear.
current control measures
Health officials recommend:
- Avoiding physical contact with infected people
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use sanitizer
- Avoid consumption of wild meat or contact with pigs in outbreak areas
WHO is providing assistance to Rwanda in managing the outbreak. There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines, although supportive care, including fluid replacement and blood transfusions, can help manage symptoms. Researchers are developing various blood products, drug treatments, and immunotherapies.
