Africa CDC says Rwanda nears end of first Marburg disease outbreak

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that Rwanda is nearing the end of its first outbreak of the highly contagious Marburg disease, with the risk of international spread now significantly diminished.

Director-General of the Africa CDC Jean Kaseya has said the rapid isolation measures for individuals exhibiting symptoms of the illness, known to cause hemorrhagic fever, along with stringent contact tracing efforts, have played a crucial role in controlling the outbreak.

“We are expecting to see Rwanda out of this outbreak very soon,” Kaseya said.

He noted that the agency is enhancing its capacity for early disease detection regionally, which helps mitigate the spread and allows countries to prepare accordingly.

As of now, Rwanda has conducted nearly 3,000 tests for Marburg, identifying 58 confirmed cases, marking one of the largest outbreaks recorded.

The disease has claimed 13 lives within less than two weeks since the first case was reported, resulting in a case-fatality rate of 22 per cent, which is significantly lower than rates seen in previous outbreaks.

At least 12 individuals have recovered from the disease.

Investigating origins

According to Rwanda Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana, authorities are currently investigating the outbreak's origins through sequencing and serological testing. Nsanzimana noted that results are expected shortly.

He also emphasised the importance of active exit screening, stating that individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases are prohibited from leaving the country for 21 days—the incubation period for Marburg.

Since the rollout of an experimental vaccine for the Ebola-like infection began, more than 200 individuals have received shots.

Nsanzimana mentioned that healthcare workers and contacts of confirmed cases were prioritised in the initial distribution of 700 doses, with more anticipated soon.

While there is currently no approved cure for Marburg virus disease, Rwanda is exploring various therapeutic options.

Gilead Sciences Inc. is providing remdesivir, an antiviral medication previously tested during the 2018 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for emergency use under compassionate care conditions.

Kaseya said this situation offers "an important scientific opportunity" to enhance preparedness for similar outbreaks in the future.

Despite Rwanda's success in containing the Marburg outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently advised Americans to reconsider nonessential travel to Rwanda and announced plans to screen travellers who have recently visited the country.

Nsanzimana highlighted the importance of reporting, saying, "If being transparent results in travel bans, it’s not a good way to respond to outbreaks."

He emphasised that open communication is vital for effective outbreak management.