Effective Marburg Response Contains Outbreak in Rwanda

Rwanda has effectively contained the Marburg fever outbreak, avoiding unnecessary travel bans. The country reported 13 deaths, received trial vaccines, and implemented stringent monitoring measures. Health officials criticised the U.S. travel advisory and emphasized Rwanda's transparency in reporting and managing the situation.

Rwanda has successfully managed to control the outbreak of Marburg fever, a virus similar to Ebola, according to the head of Africa's leading public health agency. Despite 13 reported deaths, the country's response prompted officials to dismiss the need for travel restrictions.

Rwanda's outbreak, declared on September 27, saw health workers and key contacts vaccinated with 700 trial vaccine doses from the U.S.-based Sabin Vaccine Institute. Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC lauded the comprehensive government response, reporting minimal spread risk.

Rwanda's health minister has criticised the U.S. travel advisory, arguing it punishes the nation for its transparency. The Marburg virus, considered highly lethal, is believed to originate in fruit bats and transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids.

(With inputs from agencies.)