Minister of Health, Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin, has clarified that individuals recovering from Marburg virus must avoid certain activities in the initial months after recovery, such as unprotected sexual intercourse. The virus may linger in men’s semen and in the eye fluids, even after other symptoms have resolved.
The first case of Marburg in the country was identified in late September 2024, initially resulting in several fatalities. Swift, modern medical intervention helped increase recovery rates, and there have been no new deaths reported in the past month.
Speaking to the press on November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that those who recover continue to undergo long-term monitoring since the virus can remain in certain parts of the body.
“Recovery means the virus is no longer detectable in the blood, which we confirm through two separate tests spaced 72 hours apart. That’s why we advise recovered patients to refrain from unprotected sex until final tests confirm that the virus has completely cleared,” he stated.
Dr. Nsanzimana noted that some recovered individuals, despite medical guidance, have not adhered to these precautions, which has led to new infections through unprotected sexual contact.
He emphasized, “We’re closely monitoring them to prevent any resurgence of the disease. But this is done without stigmatizing them. It’s not about avoiding them out of fear of infection but about careful management.”
The monitoring period for those under observation may last from one to three months, and in some cases, even up to a year, depending on each individual’s unique health situation.
“The virus can persist in certain body fluids, especially semen, where it tends to stay longer. In saliva, it may remain for only a few days, and it also has limited persistence in urine and breast milk. We are testing all recovered patients’ urine, breast milk, and semen to confirm the virus has completely cleared from these fluids,” he added.
The patients under monitoring will conclude their follow-up once final tests confirm they are virus-free. Currently, some are tested weekly, and they are informed about the status of the virus in their bodies so they can take necessary precautions.
To date, 66 people have been infected with the Marburg virus, 15 have died, 49 have recovered, and two are still receiving medical treatment.
The Ministry of Health notes that while Marburg mortality rates have been as high as 90% in other countries, Rwanda’s rate currently stands at 22.7%.
