The Health Minister, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, announced that new measures will be taken to continue the fight against Marburg virus, which was confirmed in Rwanda for over two weeks ago.

Among the measures taken in the first week of the outbreak, there was hands sanitation, avoiding contact with patients or those who have died from Marburg, and refraining from taking the deceased to churches or homes.

Decisions were also made to avoid crowd accompanying those who died from Marburg during funerals, as well as avoiding visits to patients in hospitals or visiting students at school.

During a press conference on Sunday, October 13, 2024, Dr. Nsanzimana stated, “Many decisions were made in the first week, but some will change, and new ones will be added. It’s time to revisit these measures, we will announce the new guidelines.”

Since Marburg was identified in Rwanda on Friday, September 27, 2024, 61 people have been infected, with 14 fatalities, 18 recovered, and 29 still under medical care.

The Minister of Health reported that in the past seven days, more people have recovered comparing with those who died from Marburg, and there are indicators showing that the efforts are yielding results.

“In the past three days, we have tested and found no new cases, which is good, but it doesn’t mean we can relax”, Health Minister said.

Dr. Nsanzimana noted that among the 29 patients being cared for, three are critically ill, but efforts are being made to provide them with the best treatment possible.

Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, believes that halting travel and trade with Rwanda is unnecessary in combating the Marburg virus.

Chirombo stated, “The measures taken by Rwanda and its partners are sufficient. The decision to halt travel can not help, rather, it will further strain the country’s economy.”

Preparing for future outbreaks

The Minister of Health mentioned that there are a few vaccines prepared for those on the front lines against Marburg virus, but it is not yet necessary to vaccinate the entire population.

“We know how it spreads, we know whom we are monitoring. Soon, we will have overcome it.”

He emphasized that due to the situation in the world, many outbreaks could arise, but there should be preparedness to combat them.

The Minister said that when another outbreak occurs, Rwanda will have sufficient resources to handle it.

He concluded, “The more we can produce enough vaccines, the safer we will be.”