The Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of patients in Rwanda with fever caused by the Marburg virus.
This information was released in a statement by MINISANTE on September 27, 2024, explaining that measures have been put in place to prevent and control the disease in various hospitals and health centers.
The statement reads: “An effort to trace those who have come into contact with individuals showing symptoms of this virus has begun, while patients continue to be treated by doctors. This disease is spread through contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected people. It is not transmitted through the air.”
The Ministry of Health advises anyone exhibiting symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, muscle pain, or abdominal pain, to call the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) at 114 or visit the nearest health facility.
MINISANTE emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to release information related to the disease.
It states, “The public is urged to continue their daily activities while maintaining precautions and enhancing hygiene practices.”
This disease spreads through contact between the bodily fluids of two people, one of whom is infected with the Marburg virus.
There is currently no treatment or vaccine available for this disease, but if a person receives medical attention before becoming critically ill, they can survive.
So far, prevention methods are similar to those used to prevent Ebola.
It is reported to be a disease that originated in Africa, as the virus was first detected in monkeys brought from Uganda. People most commonly affected are those who spend extended periods in caves or mines, where bats are believed to be the source of the virus.
Marburg is a highly dangerous virus, with a fatality rate of up to 88% of those infected. It takes only 8 to 9 days for an infected person to require a blood transfusion.
Scientists indicate that the virus can be transmitted through bats, monkeys, and pigs.
If a person becomes infected, they can spread the virus to others through bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, blood, genital fluids, or sexual intercourse with an infected person.
The international organization Gavi, which promotes vaccines, urges people to avoid eating or touching bushmeat and to refrain from handling pigs in areas where the disease has been detected, as recommended by the WHO.
People who have recovered from the virus must use condoms during sexual intercourse for a whole year after showing symptoms, until their semen has been tested twice and confirmed virus-free.
Those handling the body of a person who has died from the virus are also advised to avoid touching the corpse.
The Marburg disease is named after the city of Marburg in Germany, where it was first detected between the 1960s and 1970s.
