Rwanda has started administering vaccines to combat an outbreak of the Marburg virus, an Ebola-like disease that has claimed 12 lives in the country. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced the vaccination effort during a press conference in Kigali on Sunday.
The campaign is prioritizing healthcare workers in high-risk areas, such as treatment centers, hospitals, and ICUs, as well as close contacts of confirmed cases. Rwanda has already received vaccine shipments, including doses from the Sabin Vaccine Institute.
The country’s first-ever Marburg outbreak was detected in late September, with 46 reported cases and 12 deaths. The virus has a fatality rate of up to 88%, with symptoms including high fever, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids and is transmitted to humans by fruit bats. Neighboring Uganda has faced multiple outbreaks in the past.
“We believe the vaccine is a critical tool to halt the virus’ spread,” Nsanzimana said.
