Rwanda is taking decisive action to tackle the Marburg virus, which has tragically led to the deaths of at least 12 individuals, mostly health workers. In a recent press briefing, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced that the country is set to begin vaccine trials specifically aimed at combating this deadly virus. “We have received 700 doses of the vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a non-profit organization based in the U.S.,” he confirmed.
When it comes to prioritizing vaccine recipients, Minister Nsanzimana noted that the first to receive the vaccine will be those most at risk, including healthcare professionals and anyone who may have had contact with Marburg patients. He reassured the public, stating, “People should not have concerns about the vaccine’s safety, as trials have previously been conducted in Kenya and Uganda.”
Could you elaborate on the severity of the Marburg virus? The Marburg virus is a highly contagious disease similar to Ebola, known to cause symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and diarrhea, which can lead to fatal outcomes due to severe blood loss. Rwanda has reported 46 confirmed cases, marking the first incidence of this virus in the country, although the source of infection remains unidentified. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the average fatality rate for the Marburg virus hovers around 50%, with historical outbreaks displaying mortality rates ranging from 24% to 88%.
What strategies are being employed by Rwanda to combat the virus? In light of this outbreak, Rwandan authorities are implementing several restrictions, including limiting the size of funerals for victims and planning to bolster travel protocols. Enhanced measures such as temperature checks, passenger questionnaires, and hand sanitizing stations will be set up at departure points.
Regarding how the Marburg virus spreads, Nsanzimana explained, “It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and can be spread through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.” It’s worth noting that neighboring Tanzania reported an outbreak of the virus in 2023, and Uganda faced three fatalities from it in 2017.
As developments unfold, Rwandan officials are actively exploring options to procure additional vaccine doses to better safeguard their citizens.
