The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Rwanda’s robust response to the ongoing Marburg virus outbreak, which has so far resulted in 62 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. Speaking in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of sustained vigilance, even as the number of new cases has slowed. Rwanda has recorded no new infections in the past six days, with 44 people recovering from the virus.
“We are encouraged by the fact that no new cases have emerged in recent days, but we must remember that we are dealing with one of the world’s deadliest viruses,” Tedros said during a press conference. “Enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and infection control measures must continue at full scale until the outbreak is declared officially over.”
Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen similar to Ebola, has a fatality rate of up to 88%. The virus causes hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms including severe bleeding and organ failure. However, the mortality rate in the current Rwandan outbreak has been notably lower, at 24%, largely due to the country’s swift and effective response.
Tedros visited a treatment center over the weekend, where he praised the medical staff for saving the lives of two critically ill patients who had suffered multiple organ failure. “These patients were successfully intubated, placed on life support, and have since been extubated and are now recovering,” he noted. This marks the first time patients with Marburg virus have been successfully extubated in Africa, a significant milestone in the treatment of the disease.
While there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg, potential therapies, including blood products and immune treatments, are currently being evaluated. Earlier this month, Rwanda also initiated a vaccination trial in a bid to curb the outbreak.
Tedros cautioned that an official declaration that the outbreak is over can only be made after 42 days—equivalent to two incubation periods—without any new confirmed cases. He reiterated that continued vigilance is critical, stressing that the nature of the virus leaves no room for complacency.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans via fruit bats and can spread between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. With Rwanda making strides in containing the outbreak, the country’s efforts are being closely watched as a potential model for managing future outbreaks of similar diseases.
