Rwanda’s health authorities are moving swiftly to contain a deadly Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreak, announcing plans to roll out a vaccine study. The East African nation, grappling with the spread of the virus, has already reported 12 deaths.
Rwanda received 700 doses of a trial vaccine from the U.S.-based Sabin Vaccine Institute, and the plan is to target those most at risk: health workers, emergency responders, and individuals who had direct contact with confirmed cases, according to the Rwandan Health Ministry.
Vaccine Shipment Arrives in Rwanda
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana confirmed that the Rwanda Biomedical Centre had carefully reviewed the vaccine shipment. The country is now set to kickstart a clinical trial that offers some hope in the fight against this highly fatal virus.
However, it’s important to note that there’s no officially approved vaccine or treatment for Marburg yet. The vaccine being introduced is still under trial, and its effectiveness remains to be proven.
What is the Marburg Virus?
Much like the Ebola virus, Marburg is believed to originate in fruit bats. It spreads between humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual or contaminated surfaces, such as bed linens. The virus is known for its high fatality rate, with death occurring in as many as 88% of cases without treatment.
The symptoms are brutal—fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, extreme blood loss. Rwanda declared a Marburg outbreak on September 27, and by the next day, six deaths had already been reported. Health authorities have since confirmed 46 cases, with 29 patients currently in isolation.
Sabin Vaccine Institute Steps In
The Sabin Vaccine Institute has partnered with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre to provide investigational doses for this vaccine trial. While this vaccine is still under clinical testing, it offers a glimmer of hope as Rwanda battles the outbreak.
In a statement, the institute said it has “entered into a clinical trial agreement” with Rwanda’s Biomedical Centre, with the trial sponsored by the government. Although it’s still early days, the results of this trial could have a significant impact on future containment strategies, both in Rwanda and across East Africa.
Struggling to Contain the Spread
Authorities in Rwanda are working around the clock to track down and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. So far, they have identified at least 400 people who came into contact with confirmed cases.
The virus has struck hard in six out of Rwanda’s 30 districts, with a significant number of those infected being healthcare workers. Given the proximity of some cases to borders with Congo, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania, there are growing concerns about the potential for cross-border spread.
To contain the virus, Rwanda’s government has enforced strict measures. Schools and hospital visits have been suspended, and limits have been placed on the number of attendees at funerals. Additionally, home vigils are not allowed if the deceased is linked to a Marburg case.
International Impact and Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been closely monitoring the outbreak. In previous years, Marburg cases have been reported in various African countries, including Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana.
As for Rwanda, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali has advised its staff to work remotely and avoid visiting offices until further notice.
The History of the Marburg Virus
This isn’t the first time Marburg has posed a threat to public health. The virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in laboratories located in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. Seven researchers died after being exposed while conducting studies on monkeys, a tragic event that helped scientists first identify this dangerous pathogen.
Since then, outbreaks have popped up sporadically, and while rare, they tend to be devastating. Without a reliable vaccine or treatment in place, the fear surrounding Marburg persists whenever cases emerge.
A Glimmer of Hope
With Rwanda now deploying a vaccine trial, there’s cautious optimism. However, the fight against Marburg is far from over. This trial will help determine whether the vaccine can provide effective protection in real-world conditions, and if successful, it could pave the way for better preparedness against future outbreaks.
In the meantime, Rwandans are urged to follow strict guidelines to limit the spread of the virus. With the cooperation of health workers, the government, and international partners, Rwanda hopes to bring this outbreak under control.
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