The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the risk of cross-border spread of Marburg virus disease (MVD) after cases were confirmed in districts of Rwanda located on the border with the DRC, Tanzania and the ‘Uganda.
On September 27, the Rwandan Ministry of Health confirmed the detection of Marburg virus after tests of people with symptoms came back positive. As of September 29, 26 cases have been recorded, including eight fatalities, in seven districts of the country. Among those affected, more than 70% are health workers working in two hospitals in the capital, Kigali.
This is the first time that Rwanda is faced with an epidemic of MVD, an extremely virulent disease close to the Ebola virus. The government, with support from WHO and partners, has intensified contact tracing and is currently tracking around 300 people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The situation is all the more worrying as the disease could spread to neighboring countries. The cases were reported in areas bordering the DRC, Tanzania and Uganda. The WHO estimates that regional spread of the virus is “high”, although the global risk remains low.
The WHO has warned of the risks posed by this epidemic, particularly in a context where the capital Kigali, a hotspot for trade with several East African countries, could contribute to the spread of the virus. A suspected contact has already traveled abroad, but no additional contamination has been reported.
Marburg virus is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, and healthcare workers are among the most vulnerable due to their increased exposure.
The WHO is calling for strict control measures in health facilities, increased surveillance, and safe burials to limit the spread of the virus. Additional research is also underway to identify the exact source of the outbreak and assess its extent.
