For the first time in Rwanda’s history, the Ministry of Health is dealing with an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a rare but deadly hemorrhagic disease similar to Ebola, but unlike Ebola, Marburg disease has no treatment or vaccine. , and the mortality rate is high. 88%.
According to the Ministry of Health, 26 people have become ill, 18 are being treated and eight have died.
In addition to sending medicines, the World Health Organization announced over the weekend that it would send a team of seven global experts in bleeding disorders to Rwanda who could provide guidance to public health professionals on the ground. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday that it will also send experts to Rwanda to help with testing and contact tracing efforts.
There are no cases of Marburg disease in the United States, and the risk to Americans from this outbreak is low.
The CDC said it has been based in Rwanda since 2002 and has worked closely with the country to help strengthen its health system.
According to the WHO, unlike other sub-Saharan African countries that have dealt with Marburg virus disease, Rwanda has a strong public health system.
“The country’s public health emergency response system is already strong and WHO is working closely with national authorities to provide the support needed to further strengthen ongoing efforts.” WHO Africa Region Director-General Dr Matshidiso Moeti said.
Dr. Brian Chilombo, the WHO’s representative in Rwanda, said Sunday that he believes the country has the “capacity and capacity to contain this outbreak very quickly.”
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health announced on Sunday that people are being allowed to continue with their daily lives, as authorities believe they have identified all disease hotspots and are taking appropriate measures to prevent the spread. The government is encouraging people not to panic.
The virus has spread to seven of the country’s 30 districts. More than 100 people who came into contact with the infected person are under observation or in isolation, the ministry said. Many of those who have become ill are health care workers.
Marburg virus is an orthomarburg virus, a virus that occurs naturally in fruit bats. It belongs to the same family as Ebola virus.
Marburg disease can be transmitted from person to person through contact with the body fluids of an infected person. People may also become ill after handling a patient’s clothing or bedding.
Experts say it’s a little easier to control because it’s not an airborne virus like the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
It can take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear after being infected with the virus.
The disease usually begins with a rash and fever. Vomiting, severe headaches, and muscle pain may occur. In severe cases, infected people may bleed from the nose, gums, and eyes, and internal bleeding appears as blood in vomit, urine, and stool. Severe blood loss can cause shock and death.
Scientists are working to develop vaccines and treatments, but currently supportive care consists of rest and hydration.
