Marburg Virus: Ongoing Public Health Threat in Eastern Africa Region

Byadmin

October 5, 2024

Marburg virus (MARV) continues to be a serious public health threat in the Eastern Africa region. It belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus (Filoviridae) and can cause severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates. The outbreaks have been sporadic, but due to its mode of transmission and high fatality rate, it is regarded as a significant risk to the region.

There have been several outbreaks in countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and now Rwanda, particularly because the region is home to fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), the virus’s natural reservoir. Transmission to humans typically occurs when they come into contact with bat feces, urine, or blood, and the virus can then spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids.

The ongoing Marburg virus (MARV) outbreak in Rwanda

Rwanda is currently facing a Marburg virus outbreak, with 36 confirmed cases and at least 11 deaths as of early October 2024. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in Kigali and other high-risk areas, with authorities responding through enhanced surveillance, emergency coordination, and public awareness campaigns. Measures include contact tracing, isolation, and point-of-entry screening at land borders to prevent further spread.

The Rwandan government and international partners, including UNICEF and WHO, are working to address the situation. They have set up designated treatment centers and provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers. Additionally, experimental treatments such as Favipiravir and Ribavirin are being considered, and there’s an ongoing push to introduce experimental vaccines to manage the outbreak.

Community awareness campaigns are critical to reduce fear and stigma, and efforts are being made to increase hygiene practices, especially at schools and healthcare facilities. However, challenges such as shortages of diagnostic kits and medicines, as well as disruptions to essential healthcare services, are hindering the response.

Travel advisories have been issued for those considering visiting Rwanda, with organizations like WHO advising caution due to the high risk posed by the virus ​(CDC Emergency Preparedness)(UNICEF)(Wikipedia).

 

Recent outbreaks have raised concerns due to:

  1. Cross-border transmission: Eastern Africa’s interconnectedness and frequent cross-border movements mean that outbreaks in one country can quickly become a regional issue.
  2. Healthcare infrastructure challenges: In some parts of Eastern Africa, the healthcare systems are underdeveloped, making it harder to contain outbreaks quickly.
  3. Lack of vaccines and treatments: Despite ongoing research, there is no licensed vaccine or antiviral treatment specifically for Marburg virus, so containment relies on public health interventions like quarantine, isolation of patients, and contact tracing.

Public health measures such as raising awareness, improving surveillance, and strengthening healthcare systems remain crucial in controlling the spread of the virus in this region.

Byadmin