Africa: Rwanda confirms Marburg Virus Disease in a 'few' patients

The Rwanda Ministry of Health reported today that Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) has been confirmed in a few patients in hospitals in the country.

Investigations are being carried out to determine the origin of the infection.

Enhanced preventive measures are being implemented in all health facilities.

Contact tracing is underway, and cases have been isolated for treatment.

Image/CDC

This is the first MVD outbreak ever recorded in Rwanda.

Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Many patients develop severe hemorrhagic symptoms within seven days. The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials.