Rwanda is currently facing its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a deadly illness similar to Ebola. With no approved vaccines or treatments available, the outbreak has already infected 56 people and claimed the lives of 12 individuals as of October 6, according to Rwanda’s Ministry of Health. To combat the spread of the virus, the Rwandan government, with support from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other partners, has implemented rigorous testing, contact tracing, and quarantine measures.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The symptoms of Marburg virus disease closely resemble those of malaria, a common disease in the region, making it difficult to identify cases promptly. Additionally, the majority of confirmed cases are among healthcare workers, highlighting the need for more rapid diagnostic tools and increased protection for frontline workers.
Rwanda, along with the Africa CDC and other organizations, is actively working to contain the outbreak by tracing the contacts of approximately 400 individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. While cases have been reported in eight out of the country’s 30 districts, the focus remains on preventing widespread community transmission of the disease.
One of the key strategies to prevent the international spread of the Marburg virus involves expanding contact-tracing efforts, regular testing, and intensified screening at entry and exit points. By issuing travel notices and enforcing strict protocols, Rwanda aims to minimize the risk of infected individuals traveling abroad, as seen in the recent case involving a student who tested negative before leaving Rwanda and upon arrival in Germany.
The outbreak is primarily concentrated in a single hospital department, particularly within the intensive care unit, where several healthcare workers were infected while treating the initial patient. Efforts to identify and trace contacts are ongoing to prevent further spread of the virus beyond this cluster.
To effectively control the outbreak, Rwanda requires additional resources such as rapid diagnostic tools to complement PCR testing capabilities. By decentralizing testing and expanding genomic sequencing infrastructure, the country aims to enhance its ability to detect and respond to cases swiftly.
While the outbreak is currently under control, efforts are ongoing to fully contain the virus. With daily progress in testing, quarantine measures, and community surveillance, Rwanda remains vigilant in its response to prevent the situation from escalating.
In terms of a potential vaccine, Rwanda is preparing to conduct a clinical trial of a vaccine candidate from the Sabin Vaccine Institute. The trial will follow a fast-track protocol to expedite the process while meeting all necessary requirements. While there are no approved vaccines available yet, the trial represents a step towards developing preventive measures against the Marburg virus.