Rwanda confirmed 27 Marburg Virus Disease cases and nine deaths by September 30, 2024. Africa CDC is aiding containment efforts.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Republic of Rwanda confirmed 27 Marburg Virus Disease cases and nine deaths by September 30, 2024.

The Ministry of Health is collaborating with Africa CDC to contain the outbreak through preventive measures, contact tracing, and isolation.

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced that Rwanda had confirmed 27 cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) and nine related deaths as of September 30, 2024.

The outbreak was officially declared by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health on September 27.

According to Africa CDC, the majority of the confirmed cases are healthcare workers, and more than 297 contacts are currently being monitored.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with Africa CDC and other partners to contain the outbreak by enhancing preventive measures in healthcare facilities. All identified cases have been isolated, and contact tracing continues.

Rwandans are being urged to follow strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing, sanitising, and taking precautions during interactions.

Marburg Virus Disease is a highly fatal zoonotic illness transmitted from fruit bats to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD, so immediate supportive therapy is critical for those infected. Health authorities are applying the same infection prevention measures used for diseases like Ebola to control the spread. On September 29, Africa CDC deployed a team of experts to assist Rwanda’s response efforts.

The collaboration between the Rwandan Ministry of Health and Africa CDC also extends to neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and DR Congo, to prevent cross-border transmission.

Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, and the Africa CDC Director, Dr Jean Kaseya, will provide updates on the country’s containment efforts in an upcoming press briefing.