Rwanda confirms first cases of Marburg virus disease

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – Rwanda on Friday confirmed the first cases of the Marburg virus disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever, in the East African country.

“Marburg virus disease, a hemorrhagic fever, has been confirmed in a few patients in health facilities in the country. Contact tracing is underway and cases have been isolated for treatment,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the infection, it said, adding that preventive measures have been enhanced across health facilities.

Marburg virus disease is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola. It is a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%, according to the World Health Organization.

Symptoms include high fever, strong headache, vomiting and muscle aches, and severe malaise. Many patients develop intense hemorrhagic symptoms within seven days, according to health authorities.

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