Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda: Situation Update and WHO Response
A Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak was declared in Rwanda on September 27, 2024, by the Government of Rwanda. The virus, part of the same family responsible for Ebola, poses a serious threat with a case fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%.
Initial Outbreak Data
The highest number of new confirmed cases were recorded in the first two epidemiological weeks of the outbreak, with 26 cases reported in week 39 (September 23 – 29) and 23 cases in week 40 (September 30 – October 6). Following a decline, just one case was reported in week 42 (October 14 – 20), followed by three in week 43 (October 21 – 27) and one in week 44 (October 30). As of October 31, 2024, a total of 49 confirmed cases had recovered, while two remained under care at the designated MVD treatment center.
Understanding Marburg Virus Disease
MVD is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a complex incubation period ranging from two to 21 days. Symptoms typically begin abruptly with high fever, severe headache, and malaise. Watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and potential hemorrhaging may follow.
Diagnosis can be challenging, as clinical presentation often overlaps with other infectious diseases like malaria, typhoid fever, and meningitis. Epidemiological investigations and laboratory testing are crucial for accurate confirmation.
WHO Response and Collaboration
Responding swiftly to this outbreak, WHO deployed a surge team to Rwanda to provide