Marburg Outbreak Finally Ends

After 42 days without detecting a new case, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in the Republic of Rwanda had ended.

The outbreak, confirmed in late September 2024, was the first Marburg Virus Disease outbreak Rwanda has experienced. A total of 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths (23%) were recorded. Almost 80% of the cases were among infected health workers while providing clinical care to their colleagues and other patients.

"The robust response by Rwanda shows how committed leadership, concerted efforts by partners, and a strong health system are crucial in addressing public health emergencies, saving and protecting lives, as well as safeguarding the health of individuals and communities," said Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda, in a media release issued on On December 20, 2024.

The virus which causes Marburg is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola Virus Disease. Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials. 

In October 2024, the Sabin Vaccine Institute announced it dispatched investigational vaccine doses for a randomized clinical trial targeting Rwanda's outbreak.

As of December 2024, there are no approved Marburg virus vaccines.