Geneva — The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised Rwanda on Sunday for its strong response to the ongoing Marburg virus outbreak. Since the outbreak was announced in late September, there have been 62 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. However, no new cases have been detected in the past six days, and 44 people have recovered.
During a press conference in Kigali, Tedros commended Rwanda’s efforts but stressed the importance of continued vigilance, saying, "We are dealing with one of the world's most dangerous viruses, and continued vigilance is essential."
Despite Marburg's high fatality rate of up to 88%, the case fatality rate in Rwanda's current outbreak has been managed at 24%. Tedros also highlighted the success of life-saving interventions, including the extubation of critically ill patients, which he believes is a first in African outbreaks of Marburg.
Although there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg, Rwanda has launched a vaccination trial, and potential treatments are under evaluation.
Rwanda’s enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and infection control measures remain critical as the country aims to declare the outbreak over after 42 days without new cases.
During a press conference in Kigali, Tedros commended Rwanda’s efforts but stressed the importance of continued vigilance, saying, "We are dealing with one of the world's most dangerous viruses, and continued vigilance is essential."
Despite Marburg's high fatality rate of up to 88%, the case fatality rate in Rwanda's current outbreak has been managed at 24%. Tedros also highlighted the success of life-saving interventions, including the extubation of critically ill patients, which he believes is a first in African outbreaks of Marburg.
Although there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg, Rwanda has launched a vaccination trial, and potential treatments are under evaluation.
Rwanda’s enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and infection control measures remain critical as the country aims to declare the outbreak over after 42 days without new cases.
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