Marburg virus in Rwanda: 26 confirmed cases and at least six deaths

The Marburg virus is highly virulent and causes a hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 88%. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola disease. The virus is named after the German city of Marburg, where it was first identified in 1967.

Cases of the virus have been reported in seven of the country’s 30 districts. Twenty cases have been isolated and are receiving treatment, while 161 people who had contact with the reported cases have been identified so far and are being monitored, as authorities strengthen overall response measures and deepen the investigation to determine the source of the infection.

To support ongoing efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) is mobilizing its expertise and tools for fighting outbreaks, including emergency medical supplies, to help strengthen control measures put in place to contain the virus. A consignment of supplies for clinical care and infection prevention and control is being prepared and will be delivered to Kigali in the coming days from the WHO emergency response hub in Nairobi, Kenya…

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