Six individuals have died in Rwanda due to an outbreak of the Marburg virus, according to the country’s health ministry on Saturday, September 29. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana confirmed that approximately 20 patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease, most of whom are healthcare workers. Efforts are underway to trace and test anyone who may have come into contact with those infected, as reported by local media.
What is Marburg Viral Disease?
Marburg viral disease is a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. The virus is known for causing severe bleeding and organ failure, and it is associated with a high mortality rate. It belongs to the filovirus family, which includes Ebola, and has led to several deadly outbreaks across Africa.
Tanzania reported cases of the virus in 2023, while Uganda experienced its last outbreak in 2017. The three East African countries share porous borders, raising concerns about the potential for cross-border transmission.
How Does It Spread?
The suspected natural host of the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat, which carries the pathogen without showing any symptoms. The virus can be transmitted from bats to primates, including humans, and then spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The virus is named after the German city of Marburg, where it was first identified in 1967 in a laboratory where workers had been exposed to infected green monkeys imported from Uganda. Since then, the fatality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24% to 88%, depending on the virus strain and the quality of medical care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Is There a Treatment?
Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments specifically for Marburg viral disease. However, experimental therapies, blood products, and early-stage vaccines are being assessed for their effectiveness in combating the virus.
