Health authorities in Rwanda have reported that Marburg hemorrhagic fever has claimed the lives of 11 individuals in the country. The outbreak, which has seen 36 confirmed cases so far, has raised concerns as investigations continue to determine the source of the disease.
Similar to Ebola, Marburg hemorrhagic fever presents with severe symptoms and has led to 25 individuals being placed in isolation as a precautionary measure. The outbreak was officially declared on September 27, with the first cases identified among patients in healthcare facilities.
Efforts to contain the spread of the virus are underway, with over 300 individuals who came into contact with confirmed cases being identified. These individuals are being closely monitored, with some already placed in isolation facilities to prevent further transmission.
Rwandans have been advised to avoid physical contact to minimize the risk of contagion. Most of the affected individuals are healthcare workers from six districts across the country, highlighting the vulnerability of frontline workers in such outbreaks.
The U.S. Embassy in Kigali has taken precautionary measures, urging its staff to work remotely and avoid office visits to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.
Marburg virus, believed to originate from fruit bats, spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Without proper treatment, the disease can be fatal in a significant percentage of cases, emphasizing the importance of early detection and isolation.
Symptoms of Marburg hemorrhagic fever include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe blood loss leading to potential fatalities. The World Health Organization has documented previous Marburg outbreaks and cases in several African countries.
The virus was first identified in 1967 following outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, where individuals conducting research on monkeys were exposed to the virus, resulting in fatalities.
