World Health Organization travel advisory updates

First Marburg Virus Outbreak of 2024 in Rwanda: 10 Dead, 300 Infected

Oct 2, 2024, 12:37 PM

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has raised significant concerns, with the World Health Organization confirming the situation. This marks the first Marburg event of 2024, following outbreaks in 2023 in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea. The virus, which originates in fruit bats and spreads through contact with bodily fluids, has a fatality rate of up to 88%. The outbreak has resulted in 10 deaths and over 300 infections. Despite rumors, there is no verified spread of the virus to Belgium. The Marburg virus, part of the same family as Ebola, is considered one of the deadliest pathogens with no known cure or vaccine.