WHO Declares Marburg Outbreak In Rwanda Over

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday officially declared the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda over.

The outbreak was first confirmed on September 27 and resulted in 66 recorded cases and 15 deaths — mostly affecting health workers.

It has been weeks since the last case of Marburg. The WHO declares an outbreak over once 42 days have passed since the last patient had their second negative test.

Marburg causes a highly infectious haemorrhagic fever. It is transmitted from fruit bats and belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola.

Its fatality rate has previously been up to 88 percent, but the latest outbreak proved less deadly.

Rwanda was praised for its quick and comprehensive response, including testing, contact tracing and a public awareness campaign.

“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,” Dr Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda, said in a statement.

AFP

Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a severe and highly fatal disease caused by a virus from the same family as the one that causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

Like Ebola, Marburg affects the body in several ways. It can cause haemorrhagic fever with very high temperatures, muscle pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, and often develops into severe and prolific internal and external bleeding.  

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