Rwanda's takes proactive measures to contain Marburg virus outbreak

Rwanda’s health authorities are implementing strong measures to effectively manage the Marburg virus outbreak, demonstrating the country’s commitment to public health and safety. With eight confirmed fatalities from the virus, the government is prioritizing the well-being of its citizens while actively working to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease.

In response to the outbreak, Rwandan officials have set guidelines limiting funeral attendance to a maximum of 50 people for those who have succumbed to the virus. This initiative aims to prevent large gatherings that could facilitate the transmission of Marburg, a virus that shares a family with Ebola and has a high fatality rate of up to 88%.

Rwanda’s health ministry reassured the public that normal business and daily activities could continue, indicating a balanced approach to managing the outbreak. The ministry also emphasized the importance of avoiding close contact with anyone displaying symptoms, which include fever, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.

To enhance safety, new hospital protocols will restrict visitor access for the next 14 days, allowing only one caregiver per patient. This measure is intended to protect healthcare workers and vulnerable individuals, ensuring that medical facilities can operate efficiently during this challenging time.

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Health Minister Dr. Daniel Ngamije highlighted the significant role that healthcare workers play, stating that many of the victims were from an intensive care unit. He noted that the Rwandan government is intensifying contact tracing, surveillance, and testing efforts to track and manage the virus’s spread effectively. Approximately 300 individuals who had close contact with confirmed cases are currently being monitored.

Experts believe Rwanda’s strong public health infrastructure and past experiences with disease outbreaks will aid in effectively managing this situation. Dr. Nahid Bhadelia from Boston University praised Rwanda’s robust coordination efforts, suggesting that these strengths could help mitigate the impact of the virus.

Rwanda’s health authorities are also encouraging the public to maintain good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to further prevent the spread of Marburg.

This is the first confirmed Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, but neighboring countries have faced similar challenges in the past. For instance, Tanzania reported an outbreak in 2023, and Uganda experienced fatalities in 2017.