Visiting Rwanda Comes with Vaccine-Preventable Health Risks

While the countdown continues towards the end of the Republic of Rwanda's Marburg disease outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Travel Health Advisory.

On November 22, 2024, the CDC stated that the last known patient with Marburg was discharged from the hospital with a negative test on November 8, 2024. That's when Rwanda started the 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak's end.

Over 1,700 experimental vaccines were delivered to Rwanda during the outbreak, which led to 15 related deaths. 

The Africa CDC commended the U.S. government for its decisive action to reduce the Level 3, Reconsider Nonessential Travel advisory for Rwanda, initially issued on October 7, 2024. 

“Africa CDC’s unwavering commitment was instrumental in ensuring that the Marburg outbreak remained contained within Rwanda’s borders, preventing further regional or international spread,” said Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana in a press release on November 23, 2024.

The CDC says travelers to Rwanda should review information on routine precautions, such as vaccinations targeting mpox, malaria, measles, dengue, and chikungunya.

When departing abroad from the United States in 2024, chikungunya and measles vaccines are available at travel clinics and pharmacies.

The U.K. Travel Health Pro says international travelers should ideally arrange an appointment with their health professional at least four to six weeks before travel. However, even if time is short, an appointment is still worthwhile.