Rwanda, Oct 01 (Alliance News): For the first time in its history, Rwanda is confronting an outbreak of the Marburg virus disease, a rare but highly lethal hemorrhagic illness with a fatality rate of 88%. As of now, 26 individuals have been infected, with 18 receiving treatment and eight reported deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is stepping in to assist, deploying a team of seven global experts in hemorrhagic diseases to provide guidance to local public health officials. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also sending specialists to aid in testing and contact-tracing efforts. Fortunately, there are currently no cases of Marburg in the United States, and the risk to Americans remains low.
Rwanda’s strong public health system, which has been fortified with support from the CDC since 2002, is seen as a crucial asset in managing this outbreak. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s regional director for Africa, noted the country’s robust emergency response system, while Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO representative to Rwanda, expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to contain the outbreak swiftly.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health has reassured the public that daily activities can continue, urging citizens not to panic. Authorities believe they have identified all hotspots of the virus and are implementing measures to prevent further spread. So far, the virus has affected seven of the country’s 30 districts, with over 100 individuals under monitoring or in isolation due to potential contact with infected persons, primarily healthcare workers.
Marburg is an orthomarburgvirus naturally found in fruit bats and can spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated clothing and bedding. Unlike airborne viruses, experts indicate that Marburg’s transmission is easier to control. Symptoms can take up to three weeks to appear and typically begin with a rash and fever, escalating to severe vomiting, headaches, and in critical cases, bleeding from various parts of the body.
Currently, no specific vaccines or treatments exist for Marburg, with supportive care focusing on rest and hydration. Scientists are actively working on developing effective vaccines and treatments to combat this deadly virus.
