The Africa CDC has officially announced that the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda is now considered “under control,” with the risk of the disease spreading beyond the country’s borders deemed “virtually nil.” This significant update was shared during an online press briefing on Thursday by Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of Africa CDC, reflecting the efforts made to manage the outbreak effectively.
Kaseya highlighted that Rwanda has reported a total of 58 confirmed cases of the Marburg virus and 13 fatalities, as detailed by Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana during the briefing. Nsanzimana further elaborated that 12 patients have successfully recovered from the illness, showcasing the potential for recovery amidst the outbreak. In total, over 2,700 individuals have been tested for the virus, underscoring the country’s proactive approach to identifying and managing cases. “We have calculated a mortality rate of approximately 22% during testing and are focused on reducing this rate as much as possible,” he stated, indicating ongoing efforts to improve patient outcomes.
The Marburg outbreak was officially declared in Rwanda on September 28, leading to the initiation of a vaccination campaign that employs an experimental vaccine, which commenced last weekend. This rapid response is crucial in controlling the spread of the virus and protecting the population.
The Marburg virus is particularly dangerous, with a potential fatality rate of up to 88%. It is known for causing severe fever and bleeding, significantly affecting multiple organs.
In his recent remarks, Kaseya noted that no new cases or deaths have been reported in Rwanda since the outbreak began, which he described as a promising sign. “This suggests that we expect Rwanda to emerge from the outbreak very soon,” he expressed, highlighting the country’s progress.
He further assured the public that the likelihood of the virus spreading beyond Rwanda is “virtually nil,” stating confidently, “There is a 95% certainty that there is no risk of the disease spreading outside of Rwanda.” This assurance aims to alleviate concerns both within and outside the country regarding the potential for a broader outbreak.
