The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday declared the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda officially over.
The outbreak, which began on September 27, resulted in 66 cases and 15 deaths, with health workers particularly affected.
The announcement comes after 42 days without any new cases, meeting the WHO’s requirement for declaring an outbreak over. This timeline is based on the period following the second negative test of the last patient.
Marburg, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever transmitted by fruit bats, is closely related to Ebola. It has a historical fatality rate of up to 88%, though the recent outbreak proved less deadly.
Rwanda’s swift and effective response to the outbreak was widely praised. “The robust response by Rwanda shows how committed leadership, concerted efforts by partners, and a strong health system are crucial in addressing public health emergencies,” said Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda.
Key measures included extensive testing, contact tracing, and a nationwide public awareness campaign.
While the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda has ended, the WHO emphasises continued vigilance in monitoring potential future cases and urges countries to maintain strong health systems for rapid responses to similar threats.
