The health minister of Rwanda has reported that a Marburg virus epidemic killed six lives. The majority of the victims, according to Sabin Nsanzimana, were medical staff members in a critical care unit. Since Friday, when the outbreak was confirmed, twenty cases have been found.
Marburg belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and has a death rate of up to 88%. Fruit bats carry the virus, which then reaches people through bodily fluid contact with infected persons. Fever, cramps in the muscles, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in rare situations, excessive bleeding are among the symptoms.
The World Health Organisation states that while there are no known cures or vaccines for the virus, a variety of blood products, medications, and immunological therapy are in development.
“Six people are killed by the Marburg virus in Rwanda.”
Rwanda claims that in an effort to slow the spread, it is stepping up contact tracking, testing, and surveillance. According to the health minister, authorities were monitoring roughly 300 persons who had interacted with Marburg virus-affected individuals.
He advised against making physical contact in an effort to stop the spread. In the past, authorities have urged the public to report any suspected instances, wash their hands with clean water and soap, and maintain a watchful eye.
Kigali, the nation’s capital, has been the site of the majority of stated cases. Employees at the US embassy in the city have been instructed to work remotely for the upcoming week. Marburg has never before been verified in Rwanda. Three fatalities occurred in Uganda in 2017, and an epidemic was recorded in neighbouring Tanzania in 2023.
(BBC)
