Rwanda has said it will begin vaccine trials for the fatal Marburg virus, which has already killed at least 12 people in the country – most of them health workers.
What is the Marburg virus and how dangerous is it?
The Marburg vaccine has only been tested in adults aged 18 and older, with no current plans to conduct trials in children.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), on average, the Marburg virus kills half of the people it infects.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and then through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Rwanda has announced that it will start vaccine trials for the deadly Marburg virus, which has already claimed the lives of at least 12 people there, the majority of them medical professionals.
A US-based non-profit organization called the Sabin Vaccine Institute sent 700 doses of the vaccine to the nation of east Africa.
The vaccine’s first target group will be those who are most at risk, such as medical professionals and people who have interacted with Marburg patients, says Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana.
Like Ebola, the highly contagious illness causes fever, cramping in the muscles, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases, excessive bleeding that results in death.
The health ministry reports that at least 46 cases have been reported in Rwanda. Since the virus’s origin is still unknown, this is the first time it has been discovered in the nation.
Given that the vaccine has already undergone testing in Kenya and Uganda, Nsanzimana stated that “people should not worry” about potential health risks.
And how dangerous is the Marburg virus?
As of right now, trials for the Marburg vaccine are only being conducted on adults 18 years of age and older.
Further doses were planned, according to the health minister.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the Marburg virus typically results in the death of half of those who contract it. Infection rates during previous outbreaks were reported to have ranged from 24% to 88%.
To try and stop the virus, Rwandan authorities have limited the size of funerals for infected people.
In addition, Rwanda intends to impose travel restrictions, temperature checks, passenger questionnaires, and hand-sanitizing stations at airports.
Humans contract the Marburg virus from fruit bats and then from coming into contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.
Tanzania, a neighbor, reported an outbreak in 2023. In Uganda, three people lost their lives in 2017.
