The Ministry of Health has announced that 6 people have succumbed to the deadly Marburg virus disease just a day after it confirmed cases of the epidemic.
According to Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), 26 cases have been confirmed and recorded of which 6 patients have succumbed to the deadly viral disease while 20 patients are currently under strict isolation.
Dr Sabin Nsanzimana the Minister of Health on Saturday held a briefing with development partners and members of the diplomatic corps on the current Marburg virus outbreak.
Marburg has struck in a period the country is struggling with containing the fast spreading Mpox disease.
Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.
“With enhanced disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, risk communication, and risk reduction measures, this Mpox outbreak can be controlled.,” RBC says in its 41-page strategic preparedness and response plan for Mpox.
On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the escalating Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
As of 15 September 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 6,201 confirmed cases globally, including 32 deaths reported in 15 African countries since the beginning of this year. The majority of Mpox cases are from the following three countries: DRC (5,399), Burundi (564) and Nigeria (55).
Rwanda, as a country with a high frequency of incoming travelers from different countries worldwide and also neighboring countries with an ongoing Mpox outbreak.
