Last month, the world was shocked by the news of an outbreak of Marburg fever in East Africa, specifically in Rwanda. This virus, similar to Ebola, has raised fears of another major health crisis in the region. However, recent reports from the head of the African public health agency show that the situation is under control, eliminating the need for travel restrictions to Rwanda.
Since its declaration on September 27, the Marburg outbreak has resulted in 13 deaths in the country. It is important to note that to date, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Marburg, which adds an urgent dimension to the situation.
In order to contain the outbreak, Rwanda has received 700 doses of an experimental vaccine from the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute. These doses are intended for health care workers, first responders, and anyone who has been in contact with confirmed cases. More than 200 individuals have already received the vaccine since its arrival, which is a first concrete response to the crisis.
Jean Kaseya, from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, praised the robust response of the Rwandan government, highlighting the commitment of various government officials in managing the crisis. He particularly highlighted the system put in place to track the contacts of infected people, thus preventing any spread of the virus outside the country.
In this context, the update of travel guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States raises questions. By requiring checks for travelers who have recently visited Rwanda and advising people to limit non-essential travel to the country, these measures may seem excessive. Rwandan Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana criticized these recommendations, deeming them inappropriate given the transparency displayed by Rwanda in its management of the epidemic.
It is essential to understand that the Marburg virus, like Ebola, is believed to have originated from fruit bats and is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated surfaces. Without medical intervention, the mortality rate can reach up to 88%, which underscores the urgency of the situation.
In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, Rwandan authorities have taken strict measures, including the suspension of school sessions, hospital visits and limiting the number of attendees at funerals of Marburg victims. These actions are aimed at avoiding any physical contact that could promote transmission of the virus.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the international community support Rwanda in its fight against the Marburg outbreakSolidarity and cooperation among countries are essential to effectively contain such a public health threat. The current situation highlights the importance of transparent communication and rapid response to outbreaks, thus highlighting the need for enhanced global collaboration in public health.