Rwanda announces end of Marburg virus disease outbreak

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – Health officials in Rwanda on Friday declared the end of Marburg virus disease outbreak, as no new cases were reported over the last 42 days.

“This is an important milestone for Rwanda’s public health system. While we mourn the lives lost we are encouraged by the progress made,” Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana told a press conference in Kigali.

He attributed the end of the outbreak to dedicated health workforce, the government and health partners.

Nsanzimana said the collaboration and swift coordinated action made it possible to contain the outbreak effectively.

“We have successfully identified the virus’s zoonotic origin and we continue to strengthen our surveillance systems,” he added.

Brian Chirombo, WHO representative in Rwanda, said the robust response by Rwanda shows how a strong health system and concerted efforts are crucial in addressing public health emergencies, saving and protecting lives as well as safeguarding the health of individuals and communities.

A total of 66 cases and 15 deaths were recorded during the outbreak, which was declared on Sep. 27.

Almost 80% of the cases were among health workers who were infected while providing clinical care to their colleagues and other patients.

In October, the East African country started vaccine trials for the virus after receiving doses of vaccine from US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute for initial campaign targeting health care workers, and contact persons of patients.

The last confirmed case received their second negative result on Nov. 7, kicking off the 42-day countdown to declaring the end of the outbreak, as per WHO recommendation.

Marburg virus disease is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola, a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever.

Illness caused by the Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headaches and severe malaise. Many patients develop severe hemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.

The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials.