KIGALI, Rwanda: Rwanda is grappling with a severe outbreak of Marburg disease, which has claimed the lives of five more individuals, increasing the death toll to 11, according to the health ministry’s report on Tuesday.
This highly infectious viral hemorrhagic fever boasts a staggering fatality rate of up to 88 percent, and symptoms often include severe bleeding and organ failure.
Since the outbreak began on September 27, a total of 29 cases have been confirmed, with 19 patients currently in isolation and receiving medical treatment. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that healthcare workers have been significantly affected, prompting the tracing of over 290 contacts linked to the confirmed cases.
In response to the outbreak, Rwanda’s government has opted against implementing a lockdown, instead urging citizens to avoid physical contact with one another. While there are no established vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg, researchers are actively evaluating potential therapies, including blood products and immune treatments, as well as candidate vaccines.
The situation remains dire, and public health authorities are working diligently to contain the virus and prevent further spread.
