Rwanda Battles Marburg Virus Outbreak with Experimental Vaccine

Rwanda is confronting its first outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly virulent disease similar to Ebola. Since the outbreak was reported in late September, the virus has claimed 12 lives and resulted in 46 confirmed cases across the country. The Rwandan government has initiated clinical trials of an experimental vaccine to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Understanding the Marburg Virus

Marburg belongs to the Filoviridae family, the same group as Ebola, and causes a severe form of hemorrhagic fever that can damage blood vessel walls, leading to internal bleeding. Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue, progressing to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe bleeding from various parts of the body. In fatal cases, death can occur within eight to nine days after symptoms appear.

The virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, during simultaneous outbreaks linked to laboratory work with infected monkeys. With a case fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%, Marburg poses a significant public health threat, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

How the Virus Spreads

Marburg is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats and then spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Contaminated surfaces, such as bedsheets or clothing, can also facilitate transmission. The source of the current outbreak in Rwanda has not been confirmed.

Outbreaks of Marburg have previously been reported in African countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Angola. The current outbreak in Rwanda marks the first time the virus has been detected in the country.

Efforts to Contain the Outbreak

Rwanda’s health authorities have taken swift measures to contain the outbreak, including isolating 29 active cases and monitoring over 400 people who have come into contact with confirmed cases. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced that the country is conducting vaccine trials with an initial shipment of 700 doses provided by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization.

The vaccination campaign targets those most at risk, including healthcare workers, ICU staff, and people who have had close contact with confirmed cases. The vaccine, which is currently in phase 2 trials, was previously tested in Uganda and Kenya with no reported safety concerns.

In addition to vaccinations, authorities have imposed restrictions on funeral sizes to reduce transmission risk, introduced temperature checks, and installed hand-sanitizing stations at travel points. These measures aim to curb the virus’s spread while researchers work on developing effective treatments and preventive strategies.

Why Are Marburg Outbreaks Becoming More Frequent?

The frequency of Marburg outbreaks has increased in recent years, with five recorded since 2021 compared to 13 in the previous 50 years. Experts attribute this rise to factors such as increased human-wildlife interactions, which heighten the risk of zoonotic spillover, and the growth of chronic health conditions that weaken immunity. In low-resource settings, the lack of robust infection control in healthcare facilities further contributes to the spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk of Rwanda’s Marburg outbreak as “very high” at the national level and “high” regionally, although the risk of international spread remains low.

A Global Call for Solidarity and Action

In the fight against Marburg, Rwanda’s rapid response highlights the importance of international cooperation. The WHO has released funding to support vaccine trials, working with partners such as the Canadian government and the European Union’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). The ongoing trials, including the Oxford University team’s vaccine candidate, underscore the global urgency in developing a licensed vaccine.

Infectious disease experts caution that the outbreak’s toll will rise without adequate surveillance and healthcare resources. Dr. Amira Roess, a global health expert, stresses that robust preventative measures and international support are essential to control the virus and prevent further loss of life.

Hope Amid Uncertainty

While Rwanda grapples with its first Marburg outbreak, the swift implementation of vaccine trials and public health measures represents a critical step towards containing the virus. Authorities remain optimistic that these efforts, coupled with international support, will help curb the spread of this deadly disease and protect the lives of Rwandans.