Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda: spread, symptoms and global concern

Rwanda is currently facing its first outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious pathogen associated with Ebola. Since its discovery in September, the virus has killed 11 people. Rwanda’s health minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, confirmed that efforts to contain the outbreak include clinical trials of experimental vaccines and treatments. Marburg virus is known to cause hemorrhagic fever, and symptoms often appear two to 21 days after infection. Deaths generally involve internal bleeding, which can occur within five to seven days of the onset of symptoms.

What is Marburg virus?

Marburg virus, part of the Filoviridae family, shares similarities with Ebola but is often considered more serious. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mortality rates can range between 24% and 88%. This virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and at the same time in Belgrade, Serbia. The disease is primarily transmitted by fruit bats, especially those found in caves or mines. However, once a person is infected with the virus, it is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids.

The current situation in Rwanda

Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed 36 cases, and 25 people are in isolation. The epidemic disproportionately affected healthcare workers, with 70% of cases occurring in two facilities. Experts, such as George Mason University global health professor Amira Roess, attribute this to insufficient infection control measures in under-resourced settings. Rwanda is also closely monitoring 300 people who came into contact with infected people.

Global response and risk

Although the WHO considers the risk in Rwanda to be very high, the global threat remains low. The virus has not been detected outside the country during this outbreak, despite concerns when two travelers in Germany feared they may have been exposed. The situation is still under control, and authorities in Germany have confirmed that the passengers tested negative for Marburg.

Prevention of spread

To prevent infection, experts advise practicing good hygiene and avoiding direct contact with infected people. Although there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Marburg, research is progressing. Clinical trials are being conducted in Rwanda, and vaccine candidates from institutions such as the Sabin Vaccine Institute and the University of Oxford are in development.

Roess stressed the need for global cooperation to fund prevention efforts, warning that if not taken seriously, the virus could spread beyond Rwanda.