In a statement issued on Monday, September 30, 2024, the agency announced that it is deploying experts to assist Rwanda's investigation and response to the Marburg outbreak.
"The staff will use experience from responding to outbreaks of Marburg virus disease and similar diseases in other countries to support epidemiology, contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease detection and control along borders, and hospital infection prevention and control," the statement reads in part.
The CDC is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Its primary role is to protect public health by controlling and preventing the spread of diseases, particularly infectious diseases. It also addresses health issues related to non-communicable diseases, environmental health, occupational safety, injury prevention, and health promotion.
The agency established its office in Rwanda in 2002 and has, over the years, worked with the government to strengthen health systems and prevent communicable diseases. This includes training scientists through the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), which enhances Rwanda's capacity to investigate disease outbreaks.
The CDC has also collaborated closely with the Rwandan government to implement the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative, co-implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The agency noted that these past investments and partnerships have strengthened core capabilities, which can now be utilized in response to the current outbreak.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak four days ago, with 26 cases and eight deaths reported as of Sunday, September 29, 2024.
The government has since announced measures to curb the spread of the virus, including the suspension of hospital visits, the banning of wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) in cases of death caused by Marburg, and the restriction of burials related to Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg disease through the strict application of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/us-offers-rwanda-support-in-fight-against-marburg-outbreak
