RWANDA has begun the 42-day countdown to officially declare an end to the Marburg virus outbreak, having discharged its last patient on November 8, 2024. This marks a pivotal step in Rwanda’s efforts to contain the deadly virus, with no new cases reported since October 30, 2024. Contacts of the last patient, along with those of previously discharged patients, will continue to be followed up until the end of their 21-day observation period. In keeping with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols, the outbreak will only be declared over if no new cases emerge 42 days after the last confirmed case tests negative.
Healthcare teams remain on high alert, sustaining active surveillance across the country. Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has mobilized nearly 60,000 community health workers to assist in case detection, especially in remote areas, ensuring no possible chains of transmission remain undetected.
Since the outbreak’s declaration on September 27, Rwanda reported a total of 66 cases and 15 deaths, with nearly 80% of cases affecting healthcare workers who contracted the virus while caring for patients. Though initially concentrated in Kigali’s two major hospitals, the outbreak did not spread to the wider community, largely due to swift containment measures and infection prevention protocols.
“The progress made so far demonstrates that, with the right resources and commitment, we can control even the most virulent pathogens,” said Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health. “The data we’ve gathered will improve future outbreak response strategies and reduce risk.”
The Marburg virus, a close relative of Ebola, is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals, or via surfaces and materials contaminated by these fluids. It causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of up to 88%. Typical symptoms include high fever, headache, and severe malaise, often progressing to hemorrhagic symptoms within a week. Supportive care, such as rehydration and symptom management, has been shown to improve survival rates.
The WHO, in collaboration with the Rwandan government, has been instrumental in this response, deploying critical resources, contact tracing, and infection control protocols. “The outcome here in Rwanda underscores the effectiveness of a coordinated public health response,” said Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO’s Representative in Rwanda. Rwanda’s approach to ending this outbreak could set a new standard for managing similar epidemics in the region.
Reference: WHO Regional Office for Africa. Rwanda begins countdown to declare Marburg outbreak over. November 9, 2024. Available at: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/rwanda/news/rwanda-begins-countdown-declare-marburg-outbreak-over. Last accessed: November 11, 2024.
