Rwanda continues to ramp up efforts to contain the spread of the Marburg virus as confirmed cases rise to 37. The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reported one new case in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of active cases to 21, with 11 deaths so far.
No new fatalities have been recorded, and five patients have successfully recovered.
Yvan Butera, the State Minister of Health, reiterated the importance of ongoing contact tracing and isolation efforts, which are critical in breaking the transmission chain. “We continue to monitor every contact closely as part of our strategy to prevent further spread,” Butera stated in his latest update.
While the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, there are encouraging signs. Five patients who had previously tested positive for the virus have now recovered, although they remain under observation. In addition to the treatment efforts, the country has conducted over 1,000 tests as part of its comprehensive testing and containment strategy.
The Marburg virus, which has a high mortality rate, causes severe symptoms including high fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Health authorities are urging the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and to enhance hygiene practices. Citizens experiencing any symptoms are advised to visit the nearest health facility or call the national hotline at 114 for immediate assistance.
Rwanda is also preparing to begin clinical trials for vaccines and therapies, targeting healthcare workers and individuals at high risk of infection. The Ministry of Health and the RBC are leading national response efforts, with a focus on robust contact tracing, testing, and public awareness campaigns to control the outbreak.
As the nation braces for the coming weeks, officials remain cautiously optimistic but emphasize the need for continued vigilance. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official updates from the Ministry of Health and the RBC.