First Marburg Virus Outbreak Hits Rwanda: 8 Dead, Funerals Limited

Sep 30, 2024, 09:58 AM

Rwanda is experiencing its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus, a highly contagious and deadly disease similar to Ebola, with at least eight fatalities reported, including infected healthcare workers who were dealing with an unknown disease when the cases presented. Authorities have restricted funeral attendance to 50 people in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Marburg virus has historically had high case fatality rates, sometimes exceeding 80% during large outbreaks in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incubation period can range from two days to a couple of weeks. Experts emphasize the importance of robust public health infrastructure and spillover prevention to manage such outbreaks. Rapid viral genomic sequencing and timely data sharing are vital to respond effectively to these public health emergencies.