The United States has committed nearly US$11 million to assist Rwanda in containing the ongoing Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak, confirmed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health on September 27.
As of October 7, 2024, the outbreak has resulted in 56 confirmed cases, 12 deaths, and 8 recoveries. Currently, 36 patients are in isolation, and 2,387 tests have been conducted, with 280 tests since the last update.
U.S. funding aims to bolster critical health initiatives, including surveillance, contact tracing, and infection prevention measures.
The CDC has deployed three senior scientists to support local health authorities.
MVD, a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever, poses significant risks, with symptoms including high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Authorities recommend avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and enhancing hygiene practices.
Rwanda has secured 700 doses of the Marburg vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, with vaccination for frontline responders commencing on October 7, 2024.
While the CDC assesses that the risk of MVD spreading to the U.S. is low, it has implemented health screenings for travelers arriving from Rwanda, including redirecting passengers to specific U.S. airports for public health entry screening.
The outbreak has triggered a collaborative response among international partners. The U.S. commitment aligns with its broader mission to enhance global health security, focusing on building capacity to address infectious disease threats.
As the situation develops, the United States remains dedicated to supporting Rwanda’s health initiatives and protecting the American public.
The government has set up a hotline (114) for reporting symptoms related to the Marburg virus. For more information, one can visit www.rbc.gov.rw or www.moh.gov.rw.
