Rwanda is stepping up efforts to secure vaccines for the Marburg virus, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana noted during an interview on Rwanda Television (RTV) on October 2. While there are no approved vaccines for the virus yet, the minister expressed optimism that Rwanda could soon receive vaccine doses.

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He stressed the country’s collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to speed up clinical trials and secure the much-needed vaccines.

To date, Rwanda has reported 36 confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease, with 25 individuals currently in isolation, and 11 deaths.

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While awaiting vaccines, the country is focusing on supportive care to manage symptoms, alongside investigating new treatments that are still in the research phase, according to Dr. Nsanzimana.

Securing vaccines and effective therapeutics is crucial for saving lives and preventing the further spread of the virus, it was noted.

"We are applying supportive treatments and researching medications that are in development,” Dr. Nsanzimana said.

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WHO’s Country Representative to Rwanda, Dr. Brian Chirombo, talked about the challenges in developing a Marburg virus vaccine. He explained that previous outbreaks have had limited cases to provide sufficient data for extensive vaccine trials.

"We need a higher number of cases over a longer period to conduct effective trials, and Rwanda is among 17 countries identified as ready to conduct trials quickly,”

So far, five patients who were suspected of contracting Marburg virus disease have tested negative, according to Dr. Yvan Butera, the Minister of State for Health, who also highlighted the ongoing efforts to break transmission chains. Currently, 410 identified contacts are being monitored.

To contain the outbreak, handwashing facilities have been set up at entrances to key usually very busy public locations such as markets, shops, and restaurants, across Kigali. The hygiene measures were implemented after the Ministry announced new guidelines to curb the virus, including the suspension of hospital visits.

The guidelines focus on maintaining personal hygiene and reducing contact with individuals showing symptoms of the Marburg virus. While business activities will continue, the emphasis is on reinforcing preventive hygiene measures.

In cases of death linked to the Marburg virus, vigils (ikiriyo) are prohibited to avoid gatherings that may increase the risk of spreading the virus.

"Funeral services where the cause of death was determined to be Marburg will be attended by no more than 50 people, and open-casket viewings are not permitted in homes, churches, or mosques,” the ministry stated.

The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to remain vigilant. Anyone with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, muscle aches, or stomach pain, should immediately contact Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) on tollfree number 114, or visit the nearest health facility.