Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, October 1, 2024 – The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Rwanda has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) on September 27, 2024. As of September 30, 27 confirmed cases and 9 deaths have been reported. Most of the cases are healthcare workers. More than 297 contacts have been registered and are being followed up.
The Ministry of Health is working tirelessly with relevant partners to strengthen preventive measures in all health facilities and contain the deadly virus. Contact tracing is ongoing and the case has been isolated for treatment. The Ministry of Health further urges Rwandans to remain vigilant and strengthen their preventive measures by practicing good hygiene, washing hands with soap, sanitizing hands and taking necessary precautions when coming into contact with others. Ta.
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a serious and often fatal zoonotic hemorrhagic disease caused by the Marburg virus. This virus is usually transmitted to humans from fruit bats. Person-to-person transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids of an infected person or with equipment or materials contaminated with infectious blood or tissue. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for MVD. Therefore, people with MVD should begin supportive care immediately. To prevent transmission, the same infection prevention and control protocols used for other viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, should be followed.
On September 29, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) dispatched a team of experts to support response efforts in Rwanda. Africa CDC is also working with ministries of health and neighboring countries Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help respond to the cross-border aspects of the outbreak and provide guidance on regional surveillance strategies to contain the outbreak. Provided.
Rwanda’s Minister of Health, His Excellency Sabine Nsanzimana, together with Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya, will participate in an Africa CDC press conference on Thursday, October 3, to discuss Rwanda’s efforts in suppressing the Marburg virus.
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The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the continental autonomous public health agency of the African Union, supporting member states in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, and disease prevention and control. .
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Media Contact: Margaret Edwin | Director of Communications and Public Relations | EdwinM@africadc.org
