The Ministry of Health (MINISANTE) has confirmed the presence of patients in Rwanda showing symptoms of a high-fever illness caused by the Marburg Virus.
This was announced in a statement released on September 27, 2024, which mentioned that measures have been put in place to prevent and control the disease in various hospitals and health centers.
The statement reads: “A process to trace individuals who have come into contact with those infected by the virus has begun, while the patients are receiving medical care. This disease spreads through contact with the blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals. It does not spread through the air.”
The Ministry of Health advises that anyone showing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, muscle pain, or abdominal pain should call the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) at 114 or visit the nearest health facility.
MINISANTE emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates about the disease.
The statement continues: “Citizens are urged to continue their daily activities while remaining cautious and enhancing hygiene measures.”
The virus spreads through direct contact between the bodily fluids of two people, one of whom is infected with the Marburg virus.
There is currently no cure or vaccine for this disease, but if someone seeks medical attention before becoming severely ill, they can receive care and possibly recover.
So far, preventive measures for Marburg are the same as those used to prevent Ebola.
