Addressing the media on Monday, November 4, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the virus may persist in specific body parts such as the inner parts of the eyes, breast milk, and semen, even when it is no longer detectable in blood tests.
'Recovery means the virus is no longer in your blood, confirmed through two tests taken 72 hours apart. Therefore, we advise recovered individuals to avoid unprotected sex until final tests confirm complete elimination of the virus,' he stated.
The minister noted that some discharged patients had disregarded protection guidelines, leading to new infections through unprotected sexual contact.
'We are closely monitoring them to prevent its spread, while also aiming to avoid stigmatization. They should not be treated as if they still carry the virus and need to be avoided.'
He explained that monitoring of the recovered patients may last from one to three months, and in some cases, up to a year, as each patient has unique health conditions.
'The virus may persist in certain areas longer, remaining longest in semen but briefly in saliva and urine. We are currently testing all recovered patients' urine, breast milk, and semen to ensure the virus is entirely eliminated,' he revealed.
Dr. Nsanzimana affirmed that these individuals will remain under observation until final tests confirm no trace of the virus. Currently, some recovered patients are tested weekly and updated on their health status.
Rwanda announced its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27, 2024.
So far, 66 people have been infected with the Marburg virus, with 15 deaths, 49 recoveries, and two individuals still under medical care.
The Ministry of Health indicates that, while Marburg's mortality rate in other affected regions can reach up to 90%, in Rwanda, it currently stands at 22.7%.
Swift measures implemented by the government have been credited with the high number of recoveries and the low number of deaths reported in the country. Notably, there have been no new deaths recorded in about a month.
IGIHE
