1,600+ Vaccinated Against Marburg Virus in Rwanda

Marburg virus is a deadly virus causing hemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola, with no specific treatment.

Over 1,600 individuals in Rwanda, including those at high risk and contacts of infected cases, have received vaccinations against the Marburg virus disease, according to a senior official ().

Yvan Butera, Rwandan minister of state in the Ministry of Health, announced the figures on Thursday during a media briefing on the status of the Marburg virus outbreak in the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

Marburg Virus Disease
Marburg virus is an animal virus that has infected the human race and first reported from Marburg. The virus is incidentally from the same family as the one that causes Ebola.

‘#Marburgvirus outbreak in #Rwanda! Over 1,600 people have been vaccinated to contain the spread. Let's hope for the best and support the affected communities. #vaccination’

With 500 contacts of positive cases being followed, the priority remains rapid detection, rapid testing, quick isolation, treatment of positive cases and vaccination, Butera said, noting that the measures have contributed to containing the outbreak.

What is Marburg Virus

The Marburg virus () is a highly infectious disease that causes severe hemorrhagic fever. It is transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or tissues of infected people or animals.

Since the declaration of the Marburg virus outbreak in late September, Rwanda has recorded 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths as of Thursday, according to the latest data from the health ministry, with the majority of the people affected being healthcare workers.

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Besides, at least 49 people have recovered from the deadly disease while two are being treated. Butera said the fatality rate is at 22.7 percent, probably among the lowest recorded.

In terms of testing, the minister said that nearly 6,000 people mostly at risk have been tested as well as contacts of positive cases.

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The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials.

Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches and severe malaise and many patients develop severe hemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.

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Reference:

Marburg virus disease - (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/marburg-virus-disease)

Source-IANS