Marburg Virus in Rwanda: Call for Vigilance Following 15 Deaths
Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana has called for increased vigilance as the nation continues to combat the Marburg virus, a deadly disease that has resulted in 15 fatalities and infected 63 individuals since the outbreak began at the end of September.
“We have experienced ten consecutive days without any new deaths, with only one new case reported during that same period,” Minister Nsanzimana stated on Thursday, as highlighted by various media outlets. This marks a positive development a month after the outbreak was confirmed in the country.
The newly reported case, which surfaced on Wednesday, involves a healthcare worker who had been treating infected patients at a treatment center since the announcement of the outbreak.
“While having only one case in the past ten days is encouraging, we must remain aware that the outbreak is not yet over,” he cautioned during a virtual press briefing.
The minister also noted that more than 1,280 individuals have been vaccinated to date, particularly those at high risk of contracting the virus.
He added that the number of contacts associated with Marburg virus patients has decreased from over 1,000 to around 500. Furthermore, his ministry will continue testing all individuals exhibiting symptoms of the virus, with more than 5,000 tests conducted thus far.
