Marburg Virus: End of the Epidemic in Rwanda
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Loading... - Wanjeri Masai
- 15 Nov 2024
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The Marburg virus epidemic in Rwanda has officially been declared over, marking a significant public health achievement for the nation. Rwandan Minister of Health, Sabin Nsanzimana, announced the end of the epidemic during an online briefing with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Thursday.
Minister Nsanzimana reported that there have been no new cases of Marburg virus for nearly two weeks and no fatalities in the past month. “The Marburg epidemic in Rwanda is over,” he stated, expressing relief and satisfaction with the progress made. He further noted that all patients who had been treated for the virus have now been discharged from hospitals.
The outbreak, which was declared on September 28, resulted in a total of fifteen deaths. The swift response from health authorities, including the implementation of a vaccination campaign using an experimental vaccine, played a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus.
The Marburg virus is a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. It is known for its high mortality rate and causes severe fever, often accompanied by hemorrhaging that affects multiple organs. The virus can be transmitted from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The successful containment of the Marburg virus epidemic in Rwanda underscores the importance of rapid response measures, public health interventions, and community awareness in managing infectious disease outbreaks. As the country moves forward, the lessons learned from this experience will be vital in strengthening its health systems and preparedness for any future health challenges.
