As of October 10, 2024, Rwanda is grappling with a significant Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak, with 58 confirmed cases and 13 fatalities reported. The Marburg virus, which is highly contagious and closely related to the Ebola virus, is responsible for a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. Since the first cases were detected in late September, the majority of infections have been reported in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, with over 700 contacts being actively monitored. The case fatality rate stands at 22%, with 15 confirmed survivors to date.
Despite the high death rate, the surge in cases has spurred both national and international efforts to contain the outbreak, including intensified contact tracing, epidemiological investigations, and the mobilization of global resources for case management and therapeutics research.
The outbreak remains concentrated in two hospital clusters in Kigali, where over 80% of the confirmed cases originated. WHO’s rapid response team is in-country to provide technical support in key areas such as incident management, health operations, case management, logistics, and infection control.
“Given the nature of the Marburg virus and its deadly transmission patterns, this is a grave health emergency,” stated WHO spokesperson Dr. John Njenga. “Our priority is to control the spread and provide adequate care to affected individuals.”
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health is collaborating closely with WHO and international partners to ensure a coordinated response. This includes a robust plan for clinical management, surveillance, border health measures, and community awareness. A global request for assistance has also been issued through the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), which has mobilized several experts to support the effort.
The Marburg virus is not new to Africa, with prior outbreaks recorded in neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania. In early 2023, MVD cases were reported in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, bordering Rwanda. While no further cases have been identified in these areas, border health assessments are underway to ensure preparedness across the region.
The WHO has released guidance to prevent international spread, advising against any travel or trade restrictions with Rwanda. However, ongoing monitoring and border health measures are critical to containing the virus beyond Rwanda’s borders.
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