KIGALI, Rwanda: The Government of Rwanda has announced that the outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease was over with no new cases reported over the last 42 days.
Health Minister of Rwanda Sabin Nsanzimana told a news conference on Friday that the outbreak, confirmed on 27 September 2024, was the first Marburg Virus Disease outbreak Rwanda has experienced.
A total of 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths were recorded. Almost 80% of the cases were among health workers who were infected while providing treatment to their colleagues and other patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement said to prevent the spread of the virus and save lives, Rwandan health authorities, the UN health body and partners, mounted a comprehensive response, with a large range of measures from disease surveillance, testing, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, to clinical care and public awareness.
These measures helped to curb the spread of the outbreak, with cases started to coming down between weeks two and three after detection and reducing by around 90% thereafter.
“The robust response by Rwanda shows how committed leadership, concerted efforts by partners and a strong health system are crucial in addressing public health emergencies, saving and protecting lives as well as safeguarding the health of individuals and communities,” said Dr Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda.
WHO said the deployment of its experts, and the strong mobilisation of national efforts were instrumental in boosting the outbreak response. The last confirmed case received their second negative PCR results on 7 November.
The statement said the WHO continues to work closely with the national authorities to maintain critical measures to ensure swift detection and response in case of any flare-up or new spillover of the virus.
“WHO will continue to support the Ministry of Health to implement and sustain a holistic care programme for people who recovered from Marburg Virus Disease to help them overcome any after-effects they may experience,” the UN body said.
The Marburg virus, belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus, is highly virulent with a fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%. In this outbreak, the fatality rate was on the lower end, approximately 23%. The virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials.
