Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda: Eight Dead, 26 Cases Confirmed

Rwanda announced an outbreak of the highly contagious Marburg virus, with eight fatalities and 26 confirmed cases. The virus, similar to Ebola, transmits through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Authorities are intensifying efforts for contact tracing and quarantine to curb the spread.

Rwanda has reported eight fatalities so far from the highly contagious Marburg virus, just days after declaring an outbreak of the deadly hemorrhagic fever. The virus, akin to Ebola, has no authorized vaccine or treatment and can be fatal in up to 88% of cases. It spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

The outbreak was declared on Friday, and six deaths were reported the following day. As of now, there are 26 confirmed cases, with eight deaths, according to Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana. The public is being advised to avoid physical contact to help curb the spread of the virus. Authorities have identified around 300 contacts of confirmed patients, with some isolated for monitoring.

Healthcare workers across six out of 30 districts are primarily affected. The World Health Organization is enhancing support to Rwanda to control the outbreak. Symptoms of Marburg include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe blood loss. The outbreak's source remains undetermined. The virus was notably identified in 1967 during outbreaks in laboratories in Germany and Serbia.

(With inputs from agencies.)