Kigali – Rwanda has initiated a targeted vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious disease similar to Ebola. Health authorities are prioritizing vaccinations for high-risk groups, including frontline healthcare workers and individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed cases. The outbreak, first declared on September 27, has resulted in 12 deaths so far.
Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced the immediate launch of the vaccination effort during a press conference in Kigali. “We are focusing on those most at risk, particularly healthcare workers in treatment centers and hospitals, as well as close contacts of confirmed cases,” he said. Rwanda received 700 doses of the experimental vaccine from the U.S.-based Sabin Vaccine Institute over the weekend, marking the first step in what officials hope will be a decisive measure to control the outbreak.
Rising Toll and Widespread Concern
Since the outbreak was confirmed, 46 cases have been identified, with 29 patients currently in isolation. Health authorities have traced at least 400 individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The Marburg virus, believed to originate in fruit bats, is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. With a fatality rate of up to 88% in untreated cases, Marburg is one of the most dangerous viral hemorrhagic fevers, sharing symptoms with Ebola, including fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, fatal blood loss.
Despite the rapid vaccination campaign, concerns remain about the virus’ potential spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions with Rwanda but emphasized the need for containment. Past outbreaks have occurred in neighboring Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, raising fears that the virus could spill over into these regions.
Measures to Contain the Outbreak
In response to the outbreak, Rwandan authorities have implemented strict preventive measures, including restrictions on school and hospital visits, limitations on funeral gatherings, and the suspension of home vigils for Marburg victims. Health experts have urged the public to avoid physical contact to reduce the risk of transmission.
The U.S. Embassy in Kigali has advised its staff to work remotely, further underlining the gravity of the situation. Healthcare workers remain at the highest risk, particularly in intensive care units where virus levels in patients are at their peak. “Healthcare workers are always vulnerable in outbreaks like this due to their proximity to infected individuals,” said Dr. Nahid Bhadelia of Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 following simultaneous outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. These outbreaks were linked to research on African green monkeys. Though Marburg outbreaks have historically been smaller than Ebola outbreaks, the rising frequency of cases in Africa has raised global concerns.
Several vaccines and therapies for Marburg are under development, and clinical trials are expected to begin in Rwanda once protocols are approved. However, the exact strain of the virus responsible for the current outbreak remains unknown, and experts are calling for genomic sequencing to better understand the virus and its transmission dynamics. WHO has already initiated contacts with vaccine developers to accelerate the trial process.
Looking Ahead
Rwandan officials, supported by international health bodies, remain optimistic about their ability to contain the outbreak. “We believe that with vaccines and stringent preventive measures, we have a powerful tool to stop the spread of this virus,” said Minister Nsanzimana.
While efforts to control the virus are underway, experts caution that more information is needed to fully understand the outbreak’s scope and origins. “If the virus spreads beyond Rwanda’s borders, especially into the Democratic Republic of Congo, the consequences could be devastating,” said Abdi Rahman Mahamud, WHO’s Director of Alert and Response Coordination.
As Rwanda continues to battle the Marburg virus, global health experts are keeping a close watch on developments, emphasizing the need for preparedness in case the outbreak worsens or spreads to other regions.
Odon Bulamba
© 2024 – Africa Daily Report (ADR)
