The Government of Rwanda has confirmed the country’s first cases of Marburg virus disease, a severe and often deadly viral haemorrhagic fever, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Health on Friday.
The Ministry disclosed in the statement that several individuals had been diagnosed with the disease and were currently receiving medical treatment in isolation to prevent further transmission.
While the exact number of cases was not revealed, the Ministry assured the public that only a limited number of patients were affected.
Authorities are actively investigating to trace the origin of the infection, and measures are being put in place to contain the virus.
The Marburg virus, part of the same virus family as Ebola, has a high fatality rate of up to 88%. It is initially transmitted to humans through contact with fruit bats, and it spreads between people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The Ministry of Health outlined the symptoms of the disease, which include high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, muscle pain, and abdominal discomfort.
Officials emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent the virus from spreading.
Health authorities are working closely with medical personnel and international partners to monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to control the outbreak.
The government has urged the public to remain calm and to follow official guidance to minimise the risk of infection.