Kigali, Rwanda – The outbreak of Marburg Virus Illness was declared over right this moment by the Authorities of Rwanda with no new circumstances reported over the past 42 days after the final affected person examined unfavourable for the virus twice, as per the standard protocol for ending a lot of these outbreaks.
The outbreak, confirmed on 27 September 2024, was the primary Marburg Virus Illness outbreak Rwanda has skilled. A complete of 66 confirmed circumstances and 15 deaths have been recorded. Nearly 80% of the circumstances have been amongst well being employees who have been contaminated whereas offering scientific care to their colleagues and different sufferers.
To halt the unfold of the virus and save lives, Rwandan well being authorities, with assist from World Well being Group (WHO) and companions, mounted a complete response, with a wide range of measures from illness surveillance, testing, an infection prevention and management, contact tracing, to scientific care and public consciousness. These actions helped to curb the unfold of the outbreak, with circumstances halved between weeks two and three after detection and declining by round 90% thereafter.
“The strong response by Rwanda reveals how dedicated management, concerted efforts by companions and a powerful well being system are essential in addressing public well being emergencies, saving and defending lives in addition to safeguarding the well being of people and communities,” mentioned Dr Brian Chirombo, WHO Consultant in Rwanda.
The deployment of WHO consultants, a workforce of nationwide first responders from different international locations within the area and the robust mobilization of nationwide efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the outbreak response. The final confirmed case obtained their second unfavourable PCR outcomes on 7 November, kicking off the 42-day countdown to declaring the tip of the outbreak, as per WHO suggestion.
WHO continues to work carefully with the nationwide authorities to take care of crucial measures to make sure swift detection and response in case of any flare-up or new spillover of the virus. WHO will proceed to assist the Ministry of Well being to implement and maintain a holistic care programme for individuals who recovered from Marburg Virus Illness to assist them overcome any after-effects they could expertise.
The virus which causes Marburg, is in the identical household because the virus that causes Ebola Virus Illness. It’s extremely virulent with a fatality fee starting from 24% to 88%. On this outbreak, the fatality fee was on the decrease finish, at round 23%. Marburg virus is transmitted to folks from fruit bats and spreads amongst people by means of direct contact with the bodily fluids of contaminated folks, surfaces and supplies.