Travellers have been issued a stark warning as an incurable disease, Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), spreads, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns following 26 confirmed cases and eight fatalities linked to the disease. Efforts are underway to locate and monitor 300 individuals who may have come into contact with the infected individuals. Rwanda has declared its first outbreak of MVD, with cases identified in seven out of thirty districts, notably affecting over 70% of healthcare workers from two health facilities in Kigali, the capital city.
There are fears of international transmission as cases have been confirmed in Kigali, which has connections through an international airport and road networks to various East African cities. Despite the risks, WHO advises against imposing travel and trade restrictions on Rwanda based on the current risk assessment. Patients are currently receiving medical care in hospitals, with the Rwandan government leading response efforts supported by WHO and other partners. Presently, there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for MVD.
A WHO representative highlighted the importance of early medical intervention for those showing Marburg-like symptoms, as supportive treatment can enhance patient survival. The risk assessment by WHO categorises the outbreak as very high at the national level, high regionally, and low globally. Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the infection, including tracing an individual who travelled internationally without developing symptoms, suggesting no further spread.
MVD, a highly dangerous disease that can lead to haemorrhagic fever, shares clinical similarities with Ebola and is part of the Filoviridae family. Initial human infection with the Marburg virus occurs through close contact with Rousettus bats, carriers of the virus found in caves or mines. Human-to-human transmission happens through direct contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials. Healthcare workers and those involved in burial ceremonies with direct contact are at high risk of contracting the virus.
The incubation period for MVD ranges from two to 21 days, with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, malaise, watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, bleeding may occur between five and seven days after symptom onset, leading to death usually between eight and nine days post-symptoms. While there are no existing treatments or vaccines for MVD, some candidate vaccines are in development. Previous MVD outbreaks have been reported in neighbouring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania, with a high risk of spread to adjacent regions.
The potential spread of the outbreak to neighbouring countries is a major concern, with cases reported in districts bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. The situation remains critical as efforts continue to contain the disease and prevent further casualties.