Marburg virus disease outbreak : East Africa’s top safari destination Rwanda last week reported its first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak, with 26 confirmed cases and six deaths as of September 28, 2024. The cases were reported in 7 of the nation’s 30 districts. As of the time of writing this article the country has 20 patients in isolation currently receiving treatment with 161 people who came into contact with the infected individuals under monitoring.
The nation with support from the World Health Organization is making efforts to control the outbreak, mobilizing expertise and emergency medical supplies. World Health Organization is also supporting the country in coordinating cross-border measures with neighboring countries to prevent the spread of the virus.
For travelers and tourists, the Rwanda Development Board has issued with some guidelines to follow through this season as the country deals with the virus outbreak. Of course, the guidelines are issued with advised from the World Health Organization.
From the statement these are some of things that we feel you should take not of: – (Also a picture of the statement is attached in this article for you to rad it verbatim)
The things to take note of: –
- If you’re planning to travel to Rwanda, make sure to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the Marburg virus disease outbreak. Don’t just wake up and travel as it has been before, look out for the precautions and take them.
- Please note that Marburg, though serious, is not airborne and is only transmitted through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces of infected and symptomatic individuals. So be careful as you get into contact with other persons as you travel or go about your tourist business.
- Rwanda is not on lockdown
- The country remains open for travel, business and all other activities.
- For safety of all Rwandans and visitors, Businesses as they continue their operations will follow the Ministry of Health’s enhanced hygiene guidelines, such as conducting temperature checks and the provision of hand washing or sanitizing stations at building entrances among others. And all stakeholders are encouraged to compile with the guidelines.
You should know that these measures are there to keep the business area running smoothly while safeguarding the health of staff and customers.
- Still for safety of all Rwandans and visitors, tourists can be rest assured that operators, hotels, and other service providers are following strict hygiene protocols, including temperature checks, regular handwashing, the availability of sanitizing stations, and enhanced cleanliness practices. And tourist are also requested to compile for the safety of all.
- For attending an event or holding an event; Events venues will implement additional hygiene measures, such as temperature checks, the provision of handwashing facilities and the encouragement of minimal close contact between attendees. This balanced approach, which is based on scientific evidence, allows for events to continue while ensuring the safety of all participants and staff.
- All Investors and those interested in investing in Rwanda; this nation of a thousand hills remains open remains for investors. The country’s evidence-based and effective response to public health challenges, demonstrates why Rwanda is a reliable choice for investors.
Marburg virus disease outbreak - Above all, all people should know the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) remains committed to keeping people informed and ensuring the safety and well- being of everyone in Rwanda.
Some things you should know about the Marburg Virus Disease
- Marburg virus disease has a fatality ratio of up to 88%. Unfortunately, most people who have caught the disease end up dead.
- The virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with bodily fluids.
- The Symptoms of the disease include high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise, followed by severe hemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
- At the time of writing this article, there is no licensed vaccine available to combat Marburg virus disease.
