Six people have died from a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, according to the health minister, Sabin Nsanzimana. Most of the victims were healthcare workers in the intensive care unit. Since the outbreak was confirmed on Friday, twenty cases have been identified.
Marburg, which shares a virus family with Ebola and has a fatality rate of up to 88%, spreads to humans from fruit bats and through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death from extreme blood loss.
While there are currently no specific treatments or vaccines for the virus, various blood products, drugs, and immune therapies are under development, as stated by the World Health Organization.
Rwanda is ramping up contact tracing, surveillance, and testing efforts to contain the outbreak. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, wash hands with clean water and soap or sanitiser, and report any suspected cases.
In 2023, neighbouring Tanzania reported an outbreak, and three people died from the virus in Uganda in 2017.
