The Ministry confirmed the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda on Friday, September 27, 2024. So far, 26 cases, including six fatalities, have been confirmed.
Addressing the media on Sunday, September 29, 2024, Minister Nsanzimana said the Marburg virus is not as alarming as COVID-19 and stressed that there is no need for panic. Instead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining good hygiene, avoiding physical contact, and refraining from touching bodily fluids of those suspected of having the virus.
"People should continue with their lives and work as usual. So far, in the initial three days of contact tracing, we've made good progress, and it doesn't warrant halting daily activities," Minister Nsanzimana stated.
Dr. Nsanzimana affirmed that Rwanda is well-prepared for the outbreak, given the country's experience in handling various past epidemics.
"We are always prepared. It is extremely difficult to prevent an outbreak before it happens. Globally, no one can guarantee stopping every outbreak, but the way we prepare ensures that when it occurs, we quickly identify and respond to it before it spreads further. That is what we are doing now," he added.
"We are confident that within a short period, we will have made significant progress in controlling this outbreak. That's our goal, as similar outbreaks in other regions didn't last long, typically two or three months at most. Such outbreaks tend to be fatal, but the challenge is detecting and identifying them early, after which the key is to act swiftly to contain them."
The Ministry of Health has identified approximately 300 people who had contact with infected individuals, all of whom are being tested to determine whether they are infected.
"We have many contacts, and the number continues to grow as we trace them. Nearly 300 people have been identified so far, and that number may increase because the interactions vary. They might have had casual contact, such as greeting each other, or closer contact, like caring for or being a patient," Minister Nsanzimana added.
The contacts include both those who live with the infected and others from different areas. The cost of treating and caring for all those affected is being covered by the government.
The World Health Organization (WHO) office in Rwanda announced that it would be sending supplies to support Rwanda's efforts to combat the Marburg virus and ensure that responses reach as many people as possible swiftly.
Additionally, seven international experts specializing in contagious diseases, including Marburg, are being dispatched to Rwanda to join the larger team fighting the outbreak.
Symptoms of Marburg include high fever, severe headaches, often accompanied by body weakness and muscle pain. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea are also common.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals and enhancing hygiene practices.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-health-ministry-reassures-public-amidst-marburg-outbreak
