Rwanda confirms cases of marburg virus in ‘few patients’

Rwanda has confirmed cases of marburg virus disease (MVD).

In a statement on Friday, the country’s health ministry said the cases were confirmed in a “few patients” in health facilities.

Marburg virus is a highly infectious haemorrhagic fever in the same family as Ebola. It is spread to humans by fruit bats and transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people and surfaces.

Illness begins abruptly and many patients develop severe haemorrhagic signs within seven days. There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus.

The Rwandan health ministry said investigations are being carried out to determine the origin of the infection.

“Enhanced preventive measures are being implemented in all health facilities. Contact tracing is underway, and cases have been isolated for treatment,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Such infections are transmitted through contact with blood and body fluids of people who are visibly sick. The virus is not believed to be transmitted by air.

“Anyone experiencing symptoms such as a high fever, strong headaches, vomiting, muscle aches, and stomach aches should call Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) on 114, or visit the nearest health facility.

“The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates on a regular basis. The public should continue with their usual activities while maintaining a high level of vigilance and hygiene.”

In 2023, Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea had reported outbreaks of the disease.

Ghana also reported an outbreak in 2022.