Rwanda has announced plans to begin vaccine trials for the deadly Marburg virus, which has already claimed at least 12 lives in the country, most of them health workers.
The country received 700 vaccine doses from the US-based non-profit Sabin Vaccine Institute.
Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana stated that the first group to receive the vaccine will include those most at risk, such as doctors and individuals who have been in contact with Marburg patients.
The Marburg virus, a highly infectious disease similar to Ebola, causes symptoms such as fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, death from extreme blood loss.
According to the health ministry, Rwanda has recorded at least 46 cases so far, marking the first time the virus has been detected in the country, although the source remains unidentified.
Nsanzimana reassured the public that the vaccine is safe, explaining, “people should not worry” as trials have already been conducted in Kenya and Uganda.
The vaccine has only been tested on adults aged 18 and older, with no current plans for trials in children. The health minister also mentioned that Rwanda intends to order additional doses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that, on average, the Marburg virus has a fatality rate of 50%, with past outbreaks resulting in death rates ranging from 24% to 88%.
In response to the outbreak, Rwandan authorities have restricted funeral sizes for victims to prevent further spread.
Rwanda also plans to implement travel restrictions, including temperature checks, health questionnaires, and hand-sanitizing stations at departure points.
The Marburg virus is believed to be transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Neighboring Tanzania experienced an outbreak in 2023, and Uganda reported three deaths from the virus in 2017.
Source-BBC
