Rwanda’s Marburg Fever Death Toll Rises to 11 as health authorities investigate the outbreak’s source, with 36 confirmed cases reported and urgent measures implemented to curb transmission.
Rwanda’s Marburg Fever Death Toll Rises: As of October 3, 2024, the death toll from the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has reached 11, with 36 confirmed cases reported. The outbreak, declared on September 27, has primarily affected healthcare workers, prompting urgent investigations into its origins. Health officials are tracing over 300 contacts of confirmed cases and advising the public to limit physical interactions to curb transmission.
In response to the outbreak, Rwandan authorities have restricted funeral gatherings to 50 individuals for victims of the Marburg virus. This measure aims to manage the spread of the highly contagious disease, which can have a mortality rate as high as 88%. The health ministry has also suspended hospital visits for two weeks to protect patients and staff.
Preliminary genomic studies suggest that the outbreak may have originated from a single transmission event involving a bat species known to carry the virus. The first infected individual had visited a cave hosting these bats. This outbreak is noted as the third-largest in history, with a current case fatality rate of approximately 24%, significantly lower than previous outbreaks due to rapid medical responses and access to care.
Reports indicate that the Marburg virus, sometimes referred to as “bleeding eye disease,” is raising global alarm due to its potential for human-to-human transmission and high fatality rates. As of December 4, there have been 66 reported cases and 15 deaths in Rwanda alone, with concerns that more individuals may be infected. The virus is primarily spread through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
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