Rwanda will begin administering vaccinations against the deadly Marburg virus on Sunday, after receiving around 700 doses of a trial vaccine. The outbreak, first announced on September 28, has claimed 12 lives, mostly healthcare workers, according to the Rwandan health minister.
The highly infectious virus, with a fatality rate of up to 88%, causes hemorrhagic fever often accompanied by organ failure and bleeding.
Health Minister Nsanzimana Sabin said, “The vaccines have been tested by health officials and the standards bureau. Today we will start vaccinating those most at risk, including doctors and others who have been in contact with Marburg patients.” He also mentioned plans to order additional doses as needed.
The experimental vaccine, which is still in phase 2 trials, was provided by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute. It will initially target frontline workers, particularly those in healthcare, who have been hardest hit by the virus. The Sabin Institute stated that no safety concerns have been reported in similar trials conducted in neighbouring Uganda and Kenya.
Rwanda’s health ministry confirmed that 41 people have contracted the virus so far, and preventive travel measures are being introduced, including temperature checks, passenger questionnaires, and hand-sanitising stations at departure points. Travellers are also urged to monitor themselves for symptoms like fever.
Marburg, a member of the same virus family as Ebola, is transmitted to humans from fruit bats. While there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for the disease yet, various treatments are currently being evaluated.