With a mortality rate of up to 88%, this very dangerous virus causes high fever often accompanied by hemorrhages affecting several organs.
“The vaccines were tested by health officials here in Rwanda and by the standards office,” Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana told reporters.
“Today, we will begin immunizing those most at risk from this virus, including doctors and others who have been in contact with Marburg patients.”
The minister clarified that Rwanda was considering ordering more doses.
Marburg virus: “This is the first time that a hospital in a large Belgian city has been affected by this serious disease”
The experimental vaccine, still in the testing phase, was supplied by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, based in the United States.
“The initial batch of around 700 doses of vaccine will be used on a trial basis on medical workers in direct contact with patients,” the institute said in a statement on Saturday.
Tests have already taken place in Uganda and Kenya and no difficulties have been reported, according to the same source.
According to the Rwandan Ministry of Health, some 41 cases of infection have been recorded.
Rwandan authorities said travel measures would be put in place on Sunday.
There are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to combat the virus. However, supportive care – oral or intravenous rehydration – and treatment of specific symptoms increase the chances of survival.
