• The Minister of Health, H.E. Sabin Nsanzimana, has announced that a significant portion of those infected are healthcare workers.

Rwanda is grappling with its first-ever outbreak of the deadly Marburg Virus, with health officials reporting 27 confirmed cases and 9 deaths, including a recent rise in fatalities from six to nine since September 29, 2024. Rwandan Minister of Health, H.E. Sabin Nsanzimana, has announced that a significant portion of those infected are healthcare workers.

“More than 80% of the patients we have are actually healthcare workers or staff within those departments taking care of those patients,” said Nsanzimana.

Marburg Virus, a hemorrhagic disease belonging to the same family as Ebola, spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of infected individuals. Health experts emphasize that the disease is not airborne, making it relatively easier to manage with appropriate precautions.

The virus is associated with fruit bats, which are natural hosts of the orthomarburg virus. Currently, there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for Marburg, although scientists are actively working to develop potential vaccines and therapies.

In response to the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) is deploying a team of global experts to assist Rwanda in combating the virus. Patients infected with Marburg typically exhibit symptoms such as rashes, high fever, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and abdominal pain, often appearing within three days of infection.

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In severe cases, patients may experience alarming symptoms such as nosebleeds or bleeding through the eyes and gums. Internal bleeding can be indicated by blood in stool, urine, or vomit, and severe blood loss may lead to shock and ultimately death.