Nov 26, 2024, 3:35 PM
Nov 26, 2024, 2:42 PM

Deadly virus outbreak in Rwanda faces urgent travel warning

Highlights
  • Recent outbreaks of the Marburg and Oropouche viruses have been reported in multiple countries, including Rwanda and the Dominican Republic.
  • Health agencies are issuing travel advisories and recommending precautions for travelers to regions affected by these deadly viruses.
  • The situation necessitates heightened awareness and preventive measures to combat the potential spread of these diseases.
Story

In recent weeks, a severe outbreak of the Marburg virus has emerged in Rwanda, prompting health officials to issue urgent travel advisories. Marburg virus is known to cause hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate, potentially affecting nearly 90% of those infected. Additionally, situations have escalated in the region with regard to the Clade I strain of mpox and Oropouche virus. The Clade I strain of mpox is affecting multiple African nations and has also been identified in Canada, the UK, and Sweden. Meanwhile, the Oropouche virus, which recently spread to the Caribbean, is causing alarm due to its increasing cases and mutation that enhances its infectivity. More than 10,000 incidents of Oropouche have been confirmed this year, raising concerns about the virus’s capabilities to infect new populations. Public health agencies are urging travelers to be cautious, recommending they seek medical advice weeks before traveling to affected areas. Precautionary measures include avoiding mines and bat caves and staying away from wild animals. The ongoing outbreaks highlight a significant challenge for both health officials and travelers as these viruses continue to spread across various regions and potentially enter new territories.

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