Rwanda’s health minister reported that a Marburg virus epidemic killed six people.
Most victims, according to Sabin Nsanzimana, were medical staff in a critical care unit.
Since Friday, when the outbreak was confirmed, twenty cases have been found.
Marburg belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and has a death rate of up to 88%. Fruit bats carry the virus. It then reaches people through contact with infectious bodily fluids.
Fever, cramps in the muscles, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare situations, excessive bleeding are the symptoms.
The World Health Organization says there are no known cures or vaccines for the virus. However, various blood products, drugs, and immunotherapies are in development.
Rwanda claims that to slow the spread, it is stepping up contact tracking, testing, and surveillance.
According to the health minister, authorities were monitoring roughly 300 persons who had interacted with Marburg virus-affected individuals.
He advised against making physical contact to stop the spread.
In the past, authorities urged the public to report any suspicions. They also advised people to wash their hands with clean water and soap and to stay vigilant.
Kigali, the nation’s capital, has been the site of the majority of stated cases.
Employees at the US embassy in the city have been instructed to work remotely for the upcoming week.
Marburg has never before been verified in Rwanda.
Three fatalities occurred in Uganda in 2017, and an epidemic was recorded in neighboring Tanzania in 2023.
