Ministry of Health Reveals Origin of Marburg Outbreak

By The Inspirer.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has revealed that information gathered by health authorities indicates that the suspected first person infected with the Marburg virus contracted it from a bat.

He made the statement on Sunday, October 20, 2024, during a press briefing he held with the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, where they discussed efforts to combat the Marburg outbreak.

Minister Dr. Nsanzimana explained that during the first two weeks of the outbreak, authorities identified a 27-year-old male patient believed to be the first case. After conducting various research studies on him, they found that there was a 97% probability that the virus was transmitted from a bat.

Dr. Nsanzimana added that information gathered suggests that the patient had visited a cave, where it is suspected he encountered the bat.

He emphasized that this information is vital for health authorities as they continue to track the virus and prevent the spread of similar outbreaks in the future.

The Minister stated that research is still ongoing to determine the exact species of animal responsible for the outbreak.

He also mentioned that there is evidence suggesting that a similar strain of the Marburg virus was detected in the region where Rwanda is located in 2014.

No New Cases in Six Days

Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana announced that it has been five days since a new case of the Marburg virus was reported in Rwanda.

He said that out of the 62 confirmed cases, although 15 people lost their lives, most patients have recovered, with only three still undergoing treatment.

The Ministry of Health continues to conduct testing, particularly for those entering the country through Kigali International Airport, to ensure that no infected person goes undetected.

Dr. Nsanzimana noted that while the outbreak is not yet over, the fact that no new cases have been reported in the last six days is encouraging. However, it also serves as a reminder to strengthen efforts to prevent further infections.

“It’s promising, even though the outbreak isn’t over. But it also pushes us to continue all efforts to reach anyone who may have come into contact with an infected person and who we haven’t yet identified, so we can achieve victory sooner rather than later,” he said.

The Ministry of Health stated that those who have recovered from the virus will continue to be monitored closely to ensure that they and their households face no additional health issues. Furthermore, steps will be taken to prevent stigmatization within their communities.

Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana urged Rwandans to support and embrace those who have recovered from Marburg, showing them that the Rwandan community is with them after going through such difficult times.

“Let us all support them and their families, especially those who lost loved ones—many of whom were health workers who were treating us. Let’s continue to offer them our comfort and closeness,” he said.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Rwanda’s progress in tackling the outbreak, attributing the success to good governance.

“Yesterday, I met with President Kagame, and I found him fully committed to finding solutions to this outbreak. I sincerely thank President Kagame for his great leadership,” he said.

Dr. Tedros also praised Rwanda’s use of technology to track and exchange information on the outbreak, ensuring that necessary actions are taken swiftly. He urged countries that had imposed travel restrictions or halted trade with Rwanda to reconsider these measures, as there is no longer any reason to maintain them.

To date, 66 cases of Marburg have been recorded, with 15 fatalities, 44 recoveries, and three patients still undergoing treatment.

The Ministry of Health also reported that two of the remaining patients had shown severe symptoms but had received specialized care, and they are also on the path to recovery and will soon be discharged from the hospital.

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