Rwanda has announced the start of vaccine trials for the Marburg virus, a highly infectious disease similar to Ebola that has already claimed the lives of at least 12 people, many of whom were healthcare workers. The country has received 700 vaccine doses from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, to target those at greatest risk, such as healthcare professionals and individuals who have had contact with infected patients, according to Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana.
The Marburg virus, which causes symptoms like fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe blood loss in some cases, is being reported in Rwanda for the first time, with 46 cases confirmed so far. The source of the outbreak remains unknown.
Minister Nsanzimana reassured the public about the safety of the vaccine, noting that trials had already taken place in Kenya and Uganda. The vaccine has so far been tested only in adults aged 18 and over, and there are no plans for pediatric trials at this time. Rwanda is preparing to order additional doses as part of its response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, on average, the Marburg virus kills half of those infected, with past outbreaks resulting in fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88%. To curb the spread of the virus, Rwandan authorities have restricted the size of funerals for victims and are planning to implement travel restrictions, temperature checks, passenger questionnaires, and hand-sanitizing stations at travel departure points.
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals. Neighboring Tanzania experienced a Marburg outbreak in 2023, while Uganda reported three deaths from the virus in 2017.
The Marburg virus, which causes symptoms like fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe blood loss in some cases, is being reported in Rwanda for the first time, with 46 cases confirmed so far. The source of the outbreak remains unknown.
Minister Nsanzimana reassured the public about the safety of the vaccine, noting that trials had already taken place in Kenya and Uganda. The vaccine has so far been tested only in adults aged 18 and over, and there are no plans for pediatric trials at this time. Rwanda is preparing to order additional doses as part of its response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, on average, the Marburg virus kills half of those infected, with past outbreaks resulting in fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88%. To curb the spread of the virus, Rwandan authorities have restricted the size of funerals for victims and are planning to implement travel restrictions, temperature checks, passenger questionnaires, and hand-sanitizing stations at travel departure points.
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals. Neighboring Tanzania experienced a Marburg outbreak in 2023, while Uganda reported three deaths from the virus in 2017.
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