Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda, 2024: Current efforts and calls to action to mitigate the outbreak in Rwanda

Abstract

The recent outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda, first reported in September 2024, marks the country’s initial encounter with this highly lethal hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus. 

With primary transmission from fruit bats and subsequent human-to-human spread through direct contact, MVD presents significant public health challenges due to its rapid progression from flu-like symptoms to severe hemorrhagic fever and high mortality rates. 

Rwanda’s Ministry of Health responded swiftly, implementing critical containment measures, such as intensive contact tracing, targeted vaccination for suspected cases and healthcare providers, restricting caregiver access, limiting traditional gatherings, and enforcing strict hygiene and infection control protocols. 

In the last three and a half years, Rwanda has been dealing with COVID-19, Mpox (formerly monkeypox), and now the Marburg outbreak. Drawing on lessons from past public health crises, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health is implementing swift action to manage the situation. Here we discussed Rwanda's strategies in managing the MVD outbreak, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to mitigate zoonotic threats. 

Vaccination efforts targeting healthcare providers and high-risk contacts have become a vital component of Rwanda's response, aiming to protect those on the front lines and prevent further spread. The response is further strengthened by partnerships with global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), underscoring the need for coordinated international support and cross-border containment measures. 

This MVD outbreak highlights the urgency of ongoing research into effective treatments and licensed vaccines to bolster Rwanda’s preparedness and resilience against future outbreaks.