Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has reported a significant increase in Marburg virus cases, with seven new infections and one additional death confirmed on Wednesday. The total number of cases has risen to 36, with 11 fatalities since the outbreak began. As of October 2, 25 patients are being treated in isolation.
The seven new cases represent the largest single-day increase in infections, largely affecting healthcare workers in various hospitals, particularly those working in intensive care units. This is the first recorded outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in Rwanda, which is closely related to the Ebola virus.
Marburg has a mortality rate of around 50%, though it has been as high as 90% in previous outbreaks. “Most of the deaths so far have been among healthcare workers,” said Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, emphasizing the virus’s toll on frontline medical staff, particularly in Kigali, the capital.
What is the Marburg virus?
Marburg virus causes symptoms such as fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the virus, making it a significant public health threat.
The virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and outbreaks have since occurred in several African nations. Last year, outbreaks in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea led to about 40 deaths, while a 2022 outbreak in Ghana claimed two lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged Marburg as a potential cause for a future pandemic and is prioritizing vaccine development.
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