On Sunday night, the Rwandan Ministry of Health released an official statement confirming the deaths of eight people due to the Marburg virus. The report also noted that 18 others are currently receiving treatment and have been placed in isolation to prevent further spread of the virus.
In a press briefing held the same day, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, informed the public that the government has identified approximately 300 individuals who had direct contact with those infected or who have succumbed to the virus. These individuals are being closely monitored for symptoms of the highly infectious disease.
Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted that a considerable number of the infected are medical personnel, particularly those working in specialized treatment units for ear-related conditions. This has raised concerns about the safety of healthcare workers on the front lines of this outbreak.
While the exact locations of the hospitals affected by the virus have not yet been disclosed, sources suggest that the outbreak began in certain medical facilities within Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.
In response to the escalating situation, the Ministry of Health announced new preventative measures aimed at controlling the spread of the Marburg virus. These measures are expected to be implemented immediately, though the specific actions have yet to be detailed in the ministry’s public communication.
The Marburg virus, which belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus, causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever and can spread rapidly through human-to-human contact. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow all health guidelines to curb the spread of this deadly virus.
Also this week, the Ministry of Health announced new measures to prevent the spread of this virus, which include:
- Treatment of patients in all healthcare facilities is prohibited for a period of 14 days.
- A deceased person who died from Marburg will not have any gathering involving many people at home.
- Burial of those who succumbed to Marburg will be conducted with no more than 50 people present.
- Those who die from this disease will not be commemorated in homes or churches.
Further updates from the Ministry of Health are expected as authorities work to contain the outbreak and safeguard the population from further infections.
Where the severe Marburg virus was detected:
- 2017 – Uganda: Three people were infected, all of them died.
- 2012 – Uganda: 15 people were infected, four died.
- 2005 – Angola: 374 people were infected, 329 died.
- 1998-2000 – DR Congo: 154 people were infected, 128 died.
- 1967 – Germany: 29 people were infected, seven died.
