The Marburg virus, a hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, has caused a new epidemic in Rwanda, where six people died and 20 others were infected and they are isolated, after other already controlled cases were detected in other African countries.
“A high fever caused by the Marburg virus has been identified in Rwanda. We counted 20 people affected and six others dead,” explained Rwandan Minister of Health, Sabin Nsanzimanaen, in a video published on X by the Rwandan Radio and Television Agency (RBA), as reported by Europa Press.
On Friday, the minister himself confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus in patients admitted to health establishments in the country, which led to increased security measures and prevention to avoid infections.
Nsanzimana said the majority of those affected and deceased are health workers, particularly in intensive care units. “The Ministry of Health and other government and collaborating agencies are working to find those who had contact with patients and died,” he noted.
Nsanzimana recalled that The virus is spread through contact with blood and other bodily fluids. and that those affected show obvious symptoms. He also warned of the need to avoid sharing clothing or tools and stressed that the incubation period is between three days and three weeks.
This is a very serious illness that can lead to death.
“It is a very serious disease that can lead to death, but we will carry out tests so that those affected receive treatment which prevents the most serious cases and deaths“, he stressed.
WHO prepares its response to the epidemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) is already preparing the response to this epidemic and has highlighted that it is the first detected in Rwanda’s history. Specifically It is present in seven of the thirty districts that make up the country.
“We launched a response to the critical epidemic to support Rwanda and stop the spread of this virus quickly and effectively,” explained WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, while WHO also stressed that Rwanda had the means to stop this epidemic quickly.
“Iyi virusi (Marburg) rero umwihariko wayo, iyo ibashije kugera mu bantu Haceti y’iminsi itatu ishobora kugera ku minsi 20, umuntu ashobora kutagaragaza ibimenyetso.”
Minisitiri w’Ubuzima, Dr Nsanzimana Sabin yavuze ku mwihariko w’icyorezo cya Marburg. #RBAAmakuru pic.twitter.com/OPpvXjHWiJ
– Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) September 30, 2024
How is Marburg virus transmitted?
The Marburg virus transmitted to humans by fruit tree batsThere is a mortality rate of between 25 and 90 percent depending on how quickly it is treated. Symptoms of infection include headache, vomiting blood and muscle pain.
There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus, which has similarities to Ebola. To increase the survival of infected people, maintenance therapy (oral or intravenous rehydration) and symptomatic treatment are used.
“This (Marburg) virus is so unique that, when it manages to reach people, between three and 20 days“, it is possible that a person does not show symptoms”, explained the minister about the contagion.
In Africa, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been recorded Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea. In total, it was announced that 300 people have been diagnosed with the Marburg virus.
