Travel bans as incurable disease kills 8 with health officials tracing 300 people who may be infected

The Rwanda Ministry of Health has confirmed the country's first outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) with 26 cases and eight deaths have been identified in the country

The World Health Organisation has issued a stark warning about the 'high' risk of Marburg Virus Disease spreading, following reports of 26 cases and eight fatalities. Efforts are underway to trace approximately 300 individuals who may have been in contact with those infected by the disease.

Rwanda's Ministry of Health has confirmed the nation's first outbreak, with cases detected across seven districts out of thirty. Notably, more than 70% of the confirmed cases involve healthcare workers from two Kigali health facilities.

Patients are currently receiving hospital care, and the Rwandan government is leading the response efforts, with support from WHO and other partners. Despite there being no treatment or vaccine for MVD, a WHO spokesperson emphasised: "This is why it is important for people showing Marburg-like symptoms to seek care early for supportive treatment which can improve patient survival. WHO assesses the risk of this outbreak as very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level."

In one case, an individual who had contact with the virus travelled internationally but remained symptom-free after the monitoring period.

Investigations continue to determine the source of the infection, reports the Mirror.

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a highly infectious disease that can cause haemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola. Both Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the Filoviridae family (filovirus).

Initial infection with the Marburg virus occurs when individuals come into close contact with Rousettus bats, a type of fruit bat often found in mines or caves, which can carry the virus. The virus spreads between humans through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids.

Healthcare workers have been known to contract the virus while treating patients with suspected or confirmed MVD. Burial ceremonies involving direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute to the transmission of the Marburg virus.

The incubation period for the Marburg virus can range from two to 21 days. The illness typically begins suddenly, with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache and extreme fatigue.

By the third day, sufferers may experience severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting. While not all cases exhibit haemorrhagic signs, severe bleeding symptoms can appear between five and seven days after the onset of symptoms.

In fatal cases, death usually occurs between eight and nine days after symptoms begin, often preceded by significant blood loss and shock. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available for Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), although some potential vaccines are under development.

Past outbreaks of MVD have been reported in countries neighbouring Rwanda, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. The most recent outbreaks occurred in Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania between February and June 2023.

Other African countries that have previously reported MVD outbreaks include Angola, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, and South Africa.

The risk of the disease spreading to neighbouring countries is high, with cases reported in districts bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. The threat of international spread is also significant due to confirmed cases in the capital city, which has an international airport and road links to various cities in East Africa.

Despite these risks, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises against any travel or trade restrictions with Rwanda based on the current risk assessment.