Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, announced on Sunday that the Marburg virus outbreak is not spreading. He confirmed that there have been no new infections or deaths reported in the last six days.
“We don’t have community transmission,” Nsanzimana told reporters during a press briefing. He highlighted that all positive cases stem from known contacts of infected individuals.
The minister emphasized that identifying and isolating exposed individuals is crucial in stopping outbreaks. Rwanda has documented 1,146 contacts related to the virus.
Nsanzimana spoke alongside Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization. Tedros praised Rwanda’s robust efforts to manage the outbreak of the Ebola-like disease.
“I can see that the outbreak is being managed under strong leadership,” Tedros stated. He urged continued vigilance against one of the world’s most dangerous viruses.
Rwanda declared the Marburg outbreak on September 27, reporting 15 deaths thus far. Health authorities confirmed 44 recoveries, with only three active cases remaining, according to official figures.
Most affected individuals have been health workers who contracted the virus while treating patients. Nsanzimana identified a 27-year-old man as the likely index case.
This individual was exposed to the virus through contact with a specific bat species. He sought treatment at Kigali’s King Faisal Hospital, which put many health workers at risk.
Marburg is believed to originate in fruit bats and spreads through close contact with infected bodily fluids. Without treatment, it can be fatal in up to 88% of cases.
Rwandans have been advised to avoid physical contact to help contain the spread. School visits and public gatherings have been restricted.
The U.S. Embassy in Kigali has instructed its staff to work remotely and avoid office visits. Currently, there is no authorized vaccine or treatment for Marburg.
