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Kigali, Rwanda — Rwandan health authorities are set to launch a vaccine trial in response to the ongoing outbreak of Marburg hemorrhagic fever, which has claimed 12 lives. Officials confirmed on Sunday that the East African nation received 700 doses of an experimental Marburg vaccine from the U.S.-based Sabin Vaccine Institute. This vaccine will be administered to health workers, emergency responders, and individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed cases, according to the Rwandan Ministry of Health.
Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced that the Rwanda Biomedical Center has thoroughly reviewed the vaccine shipment, and preparations are underway for the trial. He also highlighted the urgency of protecting frontline workers, many of whom are already at risk due to their exposure to infected patients. So far, there are no authorized vaccines or treatments for Marburg virus disease, which is known for its high fatality rate of up to 88% without medical intervention.
Vaccine Study to Combat Deadly Outbreak
The Marburg virus, closely related to Ebola, is believed to originate from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials, such as bedding. The rapid spread and severity of the disease have prompted swift action from health officials, particularly after Rwanda declared the outbreak on September 27. The first cases were identified among patients in health facilities, though authorities have yet to determine the exact source of the outbreak.
In its statement, the Sabin Vaccine Institute said it had “entered into a clinical trial agreement with the Rwanda Biomedical Center, the trial sponsor, to provide investigational doses” for the study. The goal is to slow the spread of the virus and protect those most at risk.
Spread and Impact
Rwanda has reported 46 confirmed cases of Marburg, with 29 individuals currently in isolation. Health officials have traced at least 400 people who may have come into contact with confirmed cases, and these individuals are being closely monitored for symptoms.
Most of the cases have been concentrated among health workers, particularly in six districts across the country. These include districts near Rwanda’s borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania, raising concerns about potential cross-border transmission. Symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, hemorrhaging leading to death through extreme blood loss.
Strict Measures in Place
In an effort to control the outbreak, Rwandan authorities have implemented strict public health measures. Physical contact has been discouraged, and school and hospital visits have been suspended. Funerals for Marburg victims are restricted to a limited number of attendees, and home vigils for the deceased are prohibited. The government aims to prevent further spread by minimizing gatherings where the virus could be transmitted.
The U.S. Embassy in Kigali has advised its staff to work remotely and limit office visits due to the ongoing outbreak.
History of Marburg Outbreaks
Marburg virus disease, first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, has caused sporadic but deadly outbreaks across Africa. Previous cases have been recorded in Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana. The virus was initially detected in researchers who had been exposed to infected monkeys, resulting in seven fatalities during that early outbreak.
As Rwanda embarks on this critical vaccine trial, health authorities remain vigilant, hoping to curb the spread of the Marburg virus and prevent further fatalities. The next steps in the vaccine study will be closely monitored as the country battles this public health emergency.
