New Outbreak of Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever in Rwanda

The World Health Organization has confirmed a first outbreak of Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever in Rwanda. The Ministry of Health has reported 26 infected people of whom 6 have died.

Advice

Although the Marburg virus is highly contagious, the risk of exposure for the general traveller is low. Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever is usually transmitted to humans through contact with infected bats or animals (normally monkeys/baboons). Human-to-human transmission of the virus can occur through contact with the body fluids (blood, vomit, urine, faeces, etc) of persons who are already infected. Close contact with infected people and health workers who treat infected people are particularly at increased risk of acquiring Marburg virus. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever.