Marburg virus: Rwanda is struggling with the first outbreak of a deadly disease

CNN
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For the first time in Rwanda's history, the Ministry of Health is grappling with an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a rare but deadly hemorrhagic disease similar to Ebola – but unlike Ebola, there is no treatment or vaccination for Marburg and the fatality rate is high of 88%.

According to the Ministry of Health, 26 people have so far become ill, 18 are receiving treatment and eight people have died in the outbreak.

In addition to delivering medical supplies, the World Health Organization announced over the weekend that it is sending a team of seven global hemorrhagic disease experts to Rwanda who can advise local public health experts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that it is also sending experts to Rwanda to support testing and contact tracing efforts.

There are no cases of Marburg in the United States and the risk to Americans from this outbreak is low.

The CDC said it has been present in Rwanda since 2002 and has worked closely to help the country strengthen its health system.

Unlike some other sub-Saharan African countries struggling with Marburg virus disease, Rwanda has a strong public health system, according to the WHO.

“Given the already robust public health emergency response system, WHO is working closely with national authorities to provide the necessary support to further strengthen ongoing efforts,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Dr. Brian Chirombo, the WHO representative in Rwanda, said on Sunday he believes the country has “the capacity and the ability to stop this outbreak very quickly.”

Rwanda's health ministry said on Sunday that people were allowed to continue their daily activities and the government is encouraging people not to panic as officials believe they have identified all hotspots of the disease and are taking appropriate measures to stop the spread of the disease to prevent disease.

The virus has spread to seven of the country's 30 districts. More than 100 people who had contact with infected people were either being monitored or isolated, the ministry said. Many of those affected are healthcare workers.

Marburg is an orthomarburg virus, a virus that occurs naturally in flying foxes. It belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus.

Marburg can be transmitted from person to person when someone comes into contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. People can also become ill after touching a patient's clothing or bedding.

It is not an airborne virus like the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, which makes it a little easier to control, experts say.

It can take up to three weeks for symptoms to develop after someone has been exposed to the virus.

The illness typically begins with a rash and fever. Vomiting and severe headaches and muscle pain may occur. In severe cases, infected people may bleed from the nose, gums, and eyes, and internal bleeding manifests as blood in vomit, urine, and stool. Severe blood loss can lead to shock and death.

Scientists are working to develop vaccines and treatments, but currently supportive care consists of rest and fluids.