Rwanda Responds to Marburg Outbreak with Rapid Vaccination Effort as Cases Reach 49 and Deaths 12

Oct 7, 2024, 12:34 PM

Rwanda is actively responding to its first Marburg virus outbreak, which has resulted in 49 reported cases and 12 deaths as of October 7, 2024. The Sabin Vaccine Institute has delivered 700 doses of the cAd-3 Marburg vaccine just seven days after the government's request. These vaccines are being administered to 700 high-risk adults, including healthcare workers, across six clinical trial sites. The rapid vaccination effort, which began within nine days of the official outbreak declaration, is aimed at containing the virus's spread. Minister of State Yvan Butera visited mobile clinics providing Marburg vaccinations and praised the efforts of health workers. The Rwandan government, with support from international organizations, is also monitoring for vaccine-related adverse events. The U.S. CDC has issued a Level 3 travel health notice for Rwanda, advising against nonessential travel and will begin public health entry screening for travelers from Rwanda starting the week of October 14, 2024.