0
0
Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda announced on Friday that the Marburg virus disease outbreak, which began in September, has officially ended. The declaration was made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, during a press conference in Kigali.
The announcement follows 42 consecutive days without any new cases after the last confirmed patient was discharged, meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for declaring an outbreak over. Rwanda’s final confirmed case was reported on October 30, with the last Marburg-related death occurring on October 14.
“This is an important milestone for Rwanda’s public health system. While we mourn the lives lost, we are encouraged by the progress made,” Nsanzimana said. He attributed the successful containment to the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, the government, and international partners.
Containment Efforts and Key Achievements
The outbreak, declared on September 27, resulted in 66 confirmed cases, including 15 fatalities and 51 recoveries. Among the recoveries were two patients who required intensive care and were successfully extubated, marking a significant achievement in clinical management.
Nsanzimana noted that the virus’s zoonotic origin has been identified, and the country is strengthening its surveillance systems to prevent future outbreaks. This includes plans to use GPS technology to monitor bats, the virus’s primary carriers.
“This work will help us track the movements and habitats of these bats,” Nsanzimana explained. “It is crucial to understand their behavior to minimize future risks.”
Global and National Recognition
Brian Chirombo, WHO representative to Rwanda, praised the country’s swift and coordinated response. “The government’s leadership and the collective effort of Rwandans were key to suppressing this epidemic that posed a serious threat to lives. Together, we achieved this victory,” Chirombo said.
However, he emphasized the need for continued vigilance. “This is not the end. The fight against emerging infectious diseases must persist,” he added.
From the onset of the outbreak, Rwanda activated a 24/7 command post to oversee containment efforts. Measures included enhanced surveillance, testing, case management, risk communication, community engagement, and vaccination campaigns.
Looking Forward
The Ministry of Health highlighted the importance of maintaining preventive measures and strengthening health systems. The successful conclusion of the Marburg outbreak underscores Rwanda’s commitment to preparedness and resilience in addressing future health emergencies.
The Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen from the same family as Ebola, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of up to 88%. Symptoms, such as high fever and severe headaches, typically appear within a week of exposure.
As Rwanda closes this chapter, its response serves as a testament to the importance of coordinated, evidence-based action in tackling public health crises.
