Rwanda has officially declared the end of its Marburg virus outbreak, following the recovery of the last patient 42 days ago. The announcement was made by Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana during a news conference on Friday.
Key Details:
- Outbreak Timeline: The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda began in mid-September 2024 when the first cases were confirmed. Over the course of the outbreak, the country reported 66 confirmed cases, including 15 deaths and 51 recoveries.
- Guidelines Met: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the declaration that the outbreak is over came after 42 days with no new cases, following the discharge of the last patient who tested negative for the virus.
- Virus Overview: Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, and it can cause severe illness, including bleeding, organ failure, and death. The virus is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals.
Rwanda’s Response:
The country’s swift response and effective containment efforts have been credited for ending the outbreak. Health Minister Nsanzimana expressed relief, saying, “It has been a long journey, but today, we come to the end of the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda.”
This marks a significant milestone in public health, as Rwanda has successfully navigated a potentially deadly viral outbreak while adhering to global health protocols.
