WASHINGTON: The U.S. government has issued a travel advisory urging American citizens to reconsider plans to visit Rwanda due to the recent outbreak of the Marburg virus.
The advisory has been raised from Category 2 to Category 3 on a 4-point scale, indicating a strong recommendation against travel.
Marburg virus, part of the filovirus family that includes Ebola, causes severe hemorrhagic fever. Since the first reported cases on September 28, there have been 12 fatalities, primarily among healthcare workers.
The virus has a mortality rate that can reach up to 88%, resulting in severe fever and bleeding that impacts multiple organs.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health has documented around 41 cases of infection. In light of the seriousness of the situation, the U.S. State Department has stressed the need to prioritize health and safety when making travel decisions.
