The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised countries against implementing travel and trade restrictions in response to the ongoing Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda, stressing that such measures are unnecessary and potentially harmful.
This announcement comes following the confirmation of Rwanda’s first MVD outbreak by the Ministry of Health on September 27, 2024.
The outbreak has primarily affected healthcare workers in Kigali, and while it is the third largest MVD outbreak recorded, there is no evidence of community transmission.
Rwanda has swiftly implemented public health measures, including isolating and treating confirmed cases in a designated treatment center, conducting extensive contact tracing, and enforcing rigorous testing protocols.
Since the outbreak began, all new cases have been reported within hospital clusters in Kigali, with no signs of the virus spreading beyond these environments.
Despite Rwanda’s comprehensive response, some countries have introduced temporary travel-related health measures, advising against travel to the country.
WHO, however, has emphasized that these restrictions may hinder the global sharing of crucial health information and delay efforts to control the outbreak.
In line with the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), WHO has called for countries to refrain from imposing travel and trade barriers and instead focus resources on proven public health interventions.
These include strengthened surveillance for early detection, robust case management, infection prevention, and enhanced cross-border collaboration.
Travelers heading to Rwanda or any affected areas are advised to stay informed about the outbreak’s evolution, avoid contact with individuals displaying MVD symptoms, and exercise caution around potentially contaminated materials.
WHO also recommends that individuals returning from affected areas who develop symptoms like fever or bleeding should seek medical attention and share their travel history with health authorities.
WHO is actively supporting Rwanda’s response by deploying experts and providing essential medical supplies. A Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan has been outlined to guide efforts to halt the transmission of the virus and manage the outbreak.
The global community has been urged to contribute resources to help control the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.
With coordinated international efforts and adherence to evidence-based public health strategies, WHO remains confident that the outbreak can be contained, without the need for measures that disrupt international travel and trade.