Rwanda detects 26 cases of Marburg virus disease

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – At least 26 cases of Marburg virus disease including six deaths have been registered in Rwanda following its outbreak, health authorities said on Saturday.

Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana said the victims include health workers especially in intensive care unit.

He said the ministry and partners are conducting contact tracing to find those who interacted with the patients and the dead.

“We are working to ensure speedy testing for suspected cases so that those found infected are cared for early to stop the spread, void critical cases and more deaths,” he added.

The Health Ministry announced Friday that Marburg virus disease, a hemorrhagic fever had been confirmed in a few patients in health facilities in the country.

Following the detection of viral disease in Rwanda, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it is ramping up efforts to support the national authorities enhance measures to halt its spread.

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

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.

Symptoms include high fever, strong headache, vomiting and muscle aches.