This initiative marks a critical step in combating the outbreak that has impacted the country since September 27, 2024.
As of October 2, 2024, the Ministry reported 36 confirmed cases of Marburg in Rwanda. Of these, 25 individuals are currently receiving medical care. However, the disease has claimed 11 lives, including one death recorded on October 2.
Dr. Yvan Butera, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, stated that 410 people who have been in contact with infected individuals are being closely monitored for testing to break transmission chains.
Initial tests have shown that none of these contacts are infected, pending further clinical and lab workouts.
The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) noted that while no specific treatment or vaccine currently exists for Marburg, promising progress has been made in research.
Presently, patient care focuses on alleviating symptoms, and early treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Dr. Butera announced that Rwanda will soon initiate trials for both a vaccine and therapeutic treatment, prioritizing those at high risk of infection.
"We are about to start vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials to protect high-risk groups," he stated.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, disclosed that vaccinations could begin within the next two weeks.
"Yes, we expect to start soon [...] though we haven't finalized the exact date yet," he said.
The vaccines and treatments to be used are in the final stages of clinical research. Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted that Rwanda is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to fast-track the process.
Those at highest risk of contracting the virus include healthcare workers, individuals involved in the burial of Marburg victims, and those who have been in contact with infected individuals showing symptoms.
Early symptoms of Marburg are similar to other diseases such as malaria and typhoid and include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The virus spreads through contact with bodily fluids or blood of an infected person or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces.
According to RBC, individuals infected with Marburg who have not yet developed symptoms are less likely to transmit the virus to others.
Following the confirmation of the outbreak in Rwanda, several measures have been implemented to contain its spread.
These include the suspension of visits to patients recovering in hospital wards and school visitations.
The Ministry of Health announced on Sunday night that only one caregiver per patient would be allowed at a time.
Besides, various countries, including the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), along with the WHO, have pledged their support for Rwanda's efforts in combating the disease.
IGIHE
