On Friday 27 September, the Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the country. Marburg virus disease is a rare, severe viral hemorrhagic fever. To date, 26 cases have been reported and eight deaths confirmed in Rwanda from the outbreak, with the majority being healthcare providers.

The Rwanda Ministry of Health is intensifying outbreak control efforts in collaboration with WHO AFRO and CDC to halt the spread of the virus swiftly and effectively, as well as investigating the origin of the virus. Enhanced prevention measures are being implemented in all health facilities, contact tracing is underway, and cases have been isolated for treatment. The virus is not airborne like COVID-19, but is transmitted through close contact with blood and bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. 

The NCD Alliance is monitoring the situation carefully and in close discussions with our local partners the Rwanda MoH, Rwanda Biomedical Center and Rwanda NCD Alliance. We will come back to you by the end of this week with updated information.

ENDS