Outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, October 2024 [EN/AR/SW]

Author: Hugh Lamarque

This brief summarises key considerations regarding the outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda, including national response capabilities, local governance structures and regional and economic implications. It is based on a rapid review of existing published and grey literature, news reports, previous research in Rwanda and informal conversations with national and international colleagues, and those involved in the response.

The outbreak was officially declared on 27 September 2024, and is the first occurrence of MVD in Rwanda. At the time of writing (14 October 2024), there have been 62 reported cases: 15 people have died, 21 people are in isolation and receiving treatment, and 26 people are reported to have recovered. Most confirmed cases have been healthcare workers. Confirmed cases have been reported in seven of Rwanda’s 30 districts: Gasabo, Gatsibo, Kamonyi, Kicukiro, Nyagatare, Nyarugenge and Rubavu (see Figure 1 in the PDF). The presence of the disease in multiple districts raises serious concerns about intercommunal spread. Testing efforts have expanded, with the Ministry of Health reporting that over 3,797 tests had been conducted as of 14 October 2024.

Rwanda’s response to the MVD outbreak builds on its existing public health infrastructure and its experience managing previous crises, such as COVID-19 and Ebola preparedness during outbreaks of the viral haemorrhagic fever in neighbouring countries. The approach includes enhanced isolation facilities, mobile laboratories and real-time diagnostic capabilities to strengthen disease control efforts. The Ministry of Health, with support from the WHO, has activated a multilevel Incident Management System, with Rapid Response Teams operating across national, provincial and health facility levels to manage surveillance, contact tracing and case management. Data are being managed through the electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (e-IDSR) system. Vaccination efforts for healthcare workers have also begun using an experimental MVD vaccine.