Marburg disease

Rwanda discharges last patient of Marburg virus disease

 More than a month after Rwanda declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, health authorities have discharged the last patient, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday. The last patient was discharged on Friday but their contacts, along with those of previously discharged patients, will continue to be followed up until the end of their 21-day observation period, the WHO said in a statement. If no new infections arise 42 days after the last confirmed case tests negative, the outbreak will be declared over. A total of 66 cases and 15 deaths have been recorded during the outbreak, which was declared on Sept. 27. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana said the outbreak is under control and though no new cases are being reported for over a week, surveillance measures continue. “This outbreak demonstrates that with the best available treatment, recovery is possible, and contributions to science can be made,” he said. “The evidence generated from this outbreak is going to help shape surveillance activities going forward and prevent future outbreaks.” Brian Chirombo, WHO representative in the East African country, attributed the containment of the disease to concerted efforts which involved rapid deployment of rapid response teams, close monitoring of contacts, and implementation of infection prevention and control measures. “Rwanda is successfully emerging from a highly challenging outbreak, effectively mitigating its potentially devastating impacts. The WHO remains committed to supporting these ongoing collaborative efforts until the outbreak is officially declared over,” he said. Marburg virus disease is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola, a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Symptoms include high fever, strong headache, vomiting and muscle aches.

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Rwanda launches vaccination campaign amid Marburg virus outbreak

After Rwanda declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease on September 27, the country’s Minister of Health reassured attendees at a briefing that the situation is under control. During a meeting with diplomats and development partners, Minister Nsanzimana discussed the vaccination strategies being implemented to combat the disease. Last week, Rwanda received 700 doses of an experimental vaccine, which has been administered to healthcare professionals and those who have been in contact with confirmed cases. “We were informed that the vaccines were available. We viewed it as a great opportunity to enhance our immune systems,” said Augustin Sendegeya, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital. Despite the vaccine being in trial stages, Sendegeya expressed confidence in its safety and potential value for those at risk of infection. Some doctors have reported no significant side effects from the vaccine. “I didn’t observe any major reactions; those who were vaccinated yesterday experienced few symptoms,” noted Blaise Dushimiyimana, a gynecologist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. So far, more than 200 people in the country have received the vaccine. Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness in humans, and Rwanda has reported 13 deaths related to the outbreak since it was announced.

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Rwanda reports six deaths and 20 cases of Marburg disease

Rwanda has reported six deaths and 20 confirmed cases of Marburg disease, according to Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana, who made the announcement in a video statement on Saturday. Most of the victims are healthcare workers from the intensive care unit, Nsanzimana said. “We have 20 infected individuals and six fatalities due to this virus, primarily among health workers,” he noted. Marburg disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever that can lead to death, with symptoms including severe headaches, vomiting, and muscle and stomach aches. The health ministry is coordinating efforts to trace those who may have come into contact with infected individuals. With a fatality rate as high as 88%, Marburg is in the same virus family as Ebola and is transmitted from fruit bats to humans, spreading through contact with bodily fluids. Neighboring Tanzania reported Marburg cases in 2023, while Uganda experienced similar outbreaks in 2017.

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