In late September, Rwanda faced its first confirmed outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), a highly lethal disease related to Ebola, known for causing haemorrhagic fever. The outbreak, declared by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, has affected various regions, including the capital Kigali, with 58 confirmed cases and 13 deaths as of mid-October. The virus has hit healthcare workers particularly hard, highlighting the vulnerability of frontline responders in such crises.
What is the Marburg Virus?
Marburg virus is part of the filovirus family, the same as the Ebola virus, and both diseases present similarly, with symptoms such as fever, severe headache, vomiting, and in more severe cases, internal and external bleeding. The mortality rate for Marburg virus infections can be as high as 88%, depending on the outbreak and the healthcare response. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials, with fruit bats often serving as the natural reservoir.
Rwanda’s Response
With the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Rwandan government has quickly mobilised to control the outbreak, following the response framework developed after previous outbreaks in neighbouring countries like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Key strategies have included contact tracing, isolation of confirmed cases, risk communication, and deploying experimental vaccines and therapeutics. Rwanda’s health ministry has emphasised the importance of early detection and prompt medical intervention to prevent further spread.
Regional and Global Risk
Although this is Rwanda’s first encounter with MVD, East Africa has seen sporadic outbreaks in the past, particularly in Uganda, Kenya, and Angola. Due to the interconnected nature of East African countries, the WHO has assessed the regional risk as “high,” noting the potential for cross-border transmission. However, at a global level, the risk remains low. Neighbouring countries have stepped up surveillance at their borders to prevent the spread, and international travel advisories have been issued, urging caution for nonessential travel to Rwanda.
Experimental Treatments and Vaccines
Currently, there are no licensed treatments or vaccines for the Marburg virus. However, Rwanda is participating in clinical trials of experimental vaccines and antiviral therapies to reduce the severity of the disease. The WHO is facilitating the delivery of these experimental treatments and assisting in local research efforts.
The Broader Picture: Epidemic Preparedness in East Africa
The Marburg outbreak in Rwanda highlights the region’s vulnerability to viral epidemics. East Africa, with its dense population, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cross-border movement, is at particular risk for outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like MVD. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for robust healthcare systems, and Rwanda’s rapid response indicates improvements in epidemic preparedness, but challenges remain.
The international community is working closely with Rwanda, and WHO has launched an appeal for $7.7 million to support the country’s epidemic response. This will help strengthen surveillance, provide essential medical supplies, and bolster healthcare systems to ensure they are capable of handling both this outbreak and future threats.
In conclusion, while the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda is alarming, the coordinated response by local and international bodies provides hope for containment. This incident reveals the importance of preparedness in managing infectious diseases, especially in regions prone to such outbreaks.
