Rwanda Marburg Outbreak Death Toll Rises to 11

Greenwatch Desk Disease 2024-10-02, 5:10pm

Rwanda's health ministry reported late Tuesday that five more people have succumbed to the deadly Marburg virus, raising the death toll to 11. This Ebola-like disease has a fatality rate of up to 88 percent and is characterized by severe bleeding and organ failure.

Since the outbreak began on September 27, 29 confirmed cases have emerged, with 19 individuals currently in isolation and receiving treatment. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention noted that many of the cases involve healthcare workers, prompting the tracing of over 290 contacts.

Marburg belongs to the filovirus family, which also includes Ebola, notorious for its devastating outbreaks across Africa. The virus spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.

In response to the outbreak, Rwandan authorities have opted against implementing a lockdown but are advising the public to refrain from physical contact. Although no vaccines or antiviral treatments are currently available, various potential therapies—including blood products and experimental vaccines—are under evaluation.