Marburg virus death toll in Rwanda rises to 11 as travelers in Germany test negative

Eleven people have died in Rwanda as the African country continues to battle an outbreak of the Marburg virus.

The Rwandan government said in its latest update that there were 36 confirmed cases of the virus, with 25 people in isolation.

Two people were also isolated in Germany this week to be tested for the virus after traveling from Rwanda. One person was a medical student who worked in a hospital and had contact with a Marburg patient wearing protective equipment.

Both travelers have now tested negative and are continuing to be monitored.

The outbreak in Rwanda was first reported on September 27th. Authorities said at the time that the first cases had been detected in patients at health facilities and that an investigation was underway “to determine the origin of the infection.”

Related

The source remains unclear even days later, fueling fears of infection. Isolation of patients and their contacts is key to stopping the spread of viral hemorrhagic fevers like Marburg.

According to local health authorities, at least 300 people have been identified who came into contact with confirmed Marburg sufferers.

Rwandans have been urged to avoid physical contact to contain the spread. Most of those affected are healthcare workers in six of the country's 30 districts.

Risk of infection in the EU is considered “low”

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said infection among EU citizens traveling to or living in Rwanda is “currently considered to be low” as transmission involves contact “with the body fluids of a person symptomatic case”.

The ECDC recommended travelers to the East African country avoid contact with people who have Marburg symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or bleeding, or with materials contaminated by body fluids from an infected person.

They also recommended travelers avoid visiting health facilities in areas affected by the Marburg virus, as well as habitats with bats or close contact with wildlife.

Related

What is the Marburg virus?

Like Ebola, the Marburg virus is believed to originate from flying foxes and spread between people through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or with surfaces such as contaminated bed sheets.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average mortality rate is around 50 percent. Without treatment, it can be fatal in up to 88 percent of those affected.

Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting and, in some cases, death from extreme blood loss.