• The Republic of Rwanda has confirmed several cases of Marburg virus disease (Marburg) in hospitals across the country, including some deaths. This is the first outbreak of Marburg virus in the country.
  • Marburg is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola, that can cause serious illness and death.
  • The disease is named after the German city where scientists contracted the first known cases of the disease in 1967 while handling monkeys imported from Africa.
  • There are currently no cases of Marburg in the United States and the risk of infection with this virus in the United States is low.
A microscopic image of the Marburg virus

Current situation

In the Republic of Rwanda

  • On September 27, 2024, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Rwanda reported cases of MVD across the country, including in some patients in health facilities. Illnesses have been reported in several provinces across the country.
  • As of September 30, 2024, 27 illnesses and nine deaths due to Marburg virus disease have been recorded in Rwanda.
  • Most of those infected are medical staff, especially those who work in intensive care units.

In the United States

  • No cases of Marburg have been reported in the United States.

What CDC does

  • CDC has been present in the Republic of Rwanda since 2002, when CDC opened an office there.
  • The CDC is deploying several scientists to assist Rwanda in its investigation and response to Marburg. Staff will draw on their experience in responding to outbreaks of Marburg and similar diseases in other countries, disease and contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease detection and control along borders, and prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections.
  • CDC is providing health care providers with awareness of the outbreak, including the latest guidance, so they are aware of the possibility of imported cases and what to do if a patient is suspected of having Marburg disease.
  • CDC has information and recommendations for the public, including the Republic of Rwanda.
  • In Africa, CDC continues to work with its domestic and international public health partners and other U.S. government agencies.
  • CDC provides technical assistance and other support to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Rwanda.

CDC and its partners across Africa work together to monitor diseases, ensure local laboratories can test for various diseases, train local laboratory and health workers, screen for diseases, advise on treatment practices, and how health workers respond to treatment can protect patients.

resources

For the public

  • General Inquiries: CDC INFO (1-800-232-4636)

For doctors, public health and laboratory personnel



Content source:

National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)