Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda Prompts US Screening Measures #

Starting next week, travelers entering the United States who have been in Rwanda within the past 21 days will undergo screening due to an ongoing Marburg virus outbreak in the country. While there are no confirmed cases outside Rwanda, and the current risk to the US is considered low, preventive measures are being implemented.

Public health entry screening will begin in mid-October as part of efforts to reduce the risk of importing and spreading cases. A Level 3 Travel Health Notice has been issued, recommending that people reconsider nonessential travel to Rwanda. Automated texts will be sent to air travelers arriving from Rwanda with information and instructions.

As of the latest update, Rwanda has reported 56 confirmed cases of Marburg, with 36 people in isolation and treatment, and 12 deaths. Many of the cases are among healthcare workers.

Marburg is an orthomarburgvirus that naturally occurs in fruit bats and belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. It can spread between humans through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or by handling contaminated clothing or bedding. Unlike COVID-19, Marburg is not airborne, making it somewhat easier to control.

Symptoms can take up to three weeks to develop after exposure and typically begin with a rash and fever. Other symptoms may include vomiting, severe headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, patients may experience bleeding from various body parts and internal organs. The mortality rate can be as high as 90% in severe cases.

Currently, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for Marburg. Supportive care, including rest and fluids, is the primary management approach.

The US government is working closely with Rwanda to control the outbreak. Nearly $11 million has been committed to address urgent health needs in Rwanda and surrounding countries. This includes support for surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and control guidance, and exit screening at Rwanda’s airport and neighboring border crossings. Additionally, investigational vaccine doses and therapeutics have been contributed to aid in the response efforts.

Healthcare providers in the US are advised to be vigilant for possible Marburg symptoms in patients with relevant travel history. They are instructed to isolate high-risk patients with symptoms until negative test results are obtained. Travelers to the outbreak area are advised to avoid visiting healthcare facilities except for urgent medical care.