KIGALI: Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana has urged heightened vigilance as the country continues to combat the deadly Marburg virus disease, which has resulted in 15 deaths and 63 infections since the outbreak began.
One month after the outbreak was confirmed, Nsanzimana said that the country reported positive developments, stating, “We have had 10 cumulative days with no new deaths and only one new case during the same period.” The new case, recorded on Wednesday, involved a health worker who had been caring for infected patients at a treatment center since the outbreak was announced in late September.
“While one case in the last 10 days is a positive trend, we must remember that it is not yet over,” he emphasized during a virtual media briefing.
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Nsanzimana said that more than 1,280 people have been vaccinated, particularly those at high risk of contracting the virus. The number of individuals in contact with Marburg patients has decreased from over 1,000 to about 500. He added that the ministry will continue testing anyone exhibiting symptoms, with over 5,000 tests conducted so far.
Earlier this month, Rwanda began vaccine trials for the Marburg virus and has received approximately 1,700 investigational vaccine doses from the Sabin Vaccine Institute.
