Rwanda: Marburg epidemic under control according to authorities

The Marburg virus appears to be under control, according to Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana.

In his report on the health situation on Sunday in Kigali, Sabin Nsanzimana indicated that the virus, declared on September 27, is contained in already known cases, i.e. 1,146 people. He also welcomed the absence of new infections and deaths over the past six days: We have tracked everyone with symptoms suggestive of Marburg virus and asked them to notify us, as well as everyone we have tested over the past four weeks. We have good news: no one has tested positive for Marburg virus, meaning there is no community transmission. This is a key indicator of our progress, and we will continue our efforts. Although this is not the end, it is a big step towards ending this epidemic.

The Rwandan Minister of Health spoke alongside Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO). The latter praised the efforts made by Rwanda to stem the epidemic of Ebola-type disease: Although there are no approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg, we commend Rwanda for quickly launching vaccine and treatment trials, and hope that these trials will help generate the data needed for the approval of these products for future outbreaks.

Health authorities have confirmed 44 recoveries, with only three active cases remaining, according to official figures. Most of those affected are healthcare workers who contracted the virus while caring for patients.

In response to the situation, schools and hospital visits were suspended, and the number of people who could attend the funerals of the Marburg victims was also limited.