Rwanda has successfully contained the recent outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), with no deaths reported in the last three weeks. The two remaining patients are stable and receiving care, confirmed Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, on November 1. Dr. Nsanzimana shared the update on his social media platform and during a session with the diplomatic corps and key health partners, where he presented Rwanda’s progress in combatting the virus.
Dr. Nsanzimana, alongside African Union’s Commissioner for Health Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma and Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya, briefed officials on the nation’s response. Both representatives praised Rwanda’s transparency and proactive approach in managing the outbreak. They emphasized the importance of continued regional collaboration and preparedness for future outbreaks.
According to the Ministry of Health, Rwanda recorded a total of 66 Marburg virus cases, with 49 recoveries and 15 deaths. To curb the virus’s spread, health authorities demarcated a cave believed to be the outbreak’s origin—home to fruit bats linked to the virus—halting nearby mining activities to minimize human-bat contact.
The government’s containment strategies included rigorous monitoring, extensive testing, and the rollout of vaccines, with over 6,000 tests performed and more than 1,600 individuals vaccinated using a single-dose jab. Rwanda has maintained a 22.7% case fatality rate, below the World Health Organization’s reported average range of 50%, underscoring the effectiveness of the country’s response efforts.
Starting November 1, updates on the Marburg outbreak will shift from daily to weekly, reflecting the Ministry’s confidence in the disease’s containment. This development highlights Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its healthcare response and ensuring timely communication with the public and international partners.
