Rwanda Declares End to Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak
Rwanda has officially declared the end of it’s first-ever Marburg virus outbreak, marking a critically important victory in the fight against this deadly Ebola-like illness. The announcement, made jointly by the Rwandan government and the World Health association (WHO), follows a 42-day period without any new cases, exceeding the standard timeframe for declaring an outbreak over. The last patient tested negative twice for the virus, confirming the triumphant containment of the outbreak.
The outbreak, confirmed in late September 2024, ultimately resulted in 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. The fatality rate of approximately 23% was lower than the typical range of 24% to 88% seen in previous Marburg outbreaks. Significantly, nearly 80% of those infected were healthcare workers, highlighting the inherent risks faced by medical professionals on the front lines of such crises.
A Rapid and Coordinated Response
Despite the lack of an approved vaccine or antiviral treatment specifically for Marburg, Rwanda’s response was swift and decisive. Authorities implemented robust measures, including enhanced disease surveillance, rapid diagnostic testing, meticulous contact tracing, and stringent infection control protocols. Over 7,400 Marburg tests were conducted,with up to 350 samples processed daily at the Rwanda Biomedical Center. This rapid testing capacity was crucial in identifying and isolating cases quickly.
The response also included the innovative use of an experimental Marburg vaccine provided by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute. Approximately 2,700 doses were sent to Rwanda,prioritizing frontline healthcare workers. Furthermore, rwanda launched its first-ever clinical trial to evaluate potential Marburg treatments, showcasing a commitment to both immediate response and long-term solutions.
The effectiveness of these measures is evident in the dramatic decline in cases. The number of new cases was halved between the second and third weeks of the outbreak,followed by a further 90% reduction.daniela Manno, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, noted the challenges posed by the virus’s spread across multiple regions and its disproportionate impact on healthcare workers. She stated,”as with any highly virulent infection,healthcare workers are among those at the highest risk due to close contact with patients,particularly when the disease is not promptly identified and strict infection control measures are not adopted.”
Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness
Dr. Brian Chirombo, the WHO’s representative in Rwanda, praised the country’s “robust response,” emphasizing the crucial role of strong political leadership, international collaboration, and a resilient health system in effectively managing public health emergencies. The successful containment of the Marburg outbreak serves as a testament to the power of coordinated action and rapid response in mitigating the impact of deadly viral outbreaks. While the immediate threat is over,ongoing vigilance and preparedness remain essential to prevent future flare-ups.
The Marburg virus is known to spread from fruit bats to humans, with subsequent human-to-human transmission occurring through close contact with bodily fluids. This outbreak underscores the importance of global collaboration in addressing emerging infectious diseases and the need for continued investment in research and progress of effective vaccines and treatments.
occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, or other items, and it causes symptoms similar to Ebola, such as fever, fatigue, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
ADVERTISEMENTIn 2023, Marburg outbreaks in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea killed dozens of people.
Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) had previously said the risk that Marburg would spread beyond Rwanda was extremely low.
The WHO said it will keep working with Rwandan health officials to “maintain critical measures to ensure swift detection and response in case of any flare-up or new spillover of the virus”.
