Rwanda is set to receive 5,000 doses of Remdesivir, an antiviral drug produced by Gilead Sciences, to help treat patients affected by the Marburg virus.
This announcement was made on October 3, 2024, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, during a press briefing organized by Africa CDC.
The donation aims to provide critical treatment for patients most in need as Rwanda battles its first-ever Marburg outbreak, which began on September 27.
The Marburg epidemic has already claimed 11 lives, with 36 confirmed cases. Among those, 25 patients are currently under isolation and receiving medical care.
Encouragingly, five individuals have recovered from the virus. Health authorities emphasize that early treatment is key to improving survival rates, as medical experts estimate that the mortality rate for Marburg ranges between 26% and 89%.
Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted that healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable, accounting for about 80% of those infected.
To further combat the outbreak, the Africa CDC confirmed that they are working closely with Rwanda and Gilead Sciences to secure vaccines, though none are currently approved for Marburg. The focus, for now, is on treating symptoms and providing supportive care for patients.
Africa CDC is also preparing to send experts, including its director, to Rwanda next week to assist the country in managing the epidemic. Meanwhile, Rwandan health authorities have implemented strict measures to prevent the virus from spreading beyond the country’s borders.
They emphasize that Marburg can remain asymptomatic for 3 to 21 days, making it crucial to remain vigilant. Early symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues, resemble malaria, but the illness worsens as the virus progresses.
Preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items with individuals showing symptoms of the disease
