Rwanda’s health minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, has announced the death of six individuals and the infection of 20 others due to the Marburg virus since the outbreak began. In a video statement shared on X, Nsanzimana revealed that most of the victims are healthcare workers, particularly those in intensive care units.
“We are currently managing 20 cases of infection, with six fatalities so far. Most of the affected are healthcare professionals working in intensive care,” Nsanzimana stated.
Marburg disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever related to Ebola, can cause severe symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and muscle pain. The virus is highly lethal, with a fatality rate of up to 88%. It spreads to humans from fruit bats and can be transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Efforts are underway to trace contacts of those infected, the health minister assured. Neighboring countries, including Tanzania and Uganda, have previously dealt with Marburg outbreaks in 2023 and 2017, respectively.
