Rwanda reports 8 deaths from Marburg virus outbreak

Rwanda has reported eight fatalities linked to the Marburg virus, a highly contagious disease similar to Ebola, shortly after declaring an outbreak. The virus, which originates in fruit bats, spreads through close contact with infected individuals' bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. As of now, 26 cases have been confirmed, with the majority of the affected being healthcare workers across six districts. The Health Minister emphasized the importance of contact tracing and testing to control the outbreak. Symptoms of the virus can take between three days to three weeks to manifest, including fever, muscle pain, and severe gastrointestinal issues, potentially leading to death through extreme blood loss. The World Health Organization is increasing its support to Rwandan authorities to manage the situation effectively. The source of the outbreak remains unidentified, and the public has been advised to avoid physical contact to prevent further transmission. In addition to the Marburg virus, Rwanda is also dealing with cases of mpox, which has been declared a global health emergency by the WHO. The country has initiated a vaccination campaign against mpox, highlighting the ongoing public health challenges it faces.