Marburg virus in Rwanda

The World Health Organization reported an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda on 27 September 2024. This is the first time Marburg virus has been seen in Rwanda.

According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently 26 confirmed cases, including 8 deaths. Cases have been reported from Gasabo, Gatsibo, Kamonyi, Kicukiro, Nyagatare, Nyarugenge and Rubavu districts although most of those who died were healthcare workers in Kigali.

Advice to travellers

Marburg virus disease is a type of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF). Humans may become infected from direct contact with the reservoir host, African fruit bats or from direct contact or droplet spread from infected humans or non-human primates.

The risk to travellers becoming infected or developing Marburg virus disease is extremely low.

• Travellers to known Marburg outbreak areas must be made aware of the risk of infection and transmission routes of Marburg virus.
• Medical personnel travelling to work in an outbreak region must follow strict infection prevention control guidance.

Travellers returning from a Marburg outbreak area should seek rapid medical attention by contacting NHS 24 (Scotland) or NHS 111 (rest of UK) for advice prior to attending UK medical facilities if they develop fever and have:

• returned to the UK within 21 days from a region or area with a known outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
• had contact with individuals infected with a VHF.

For further information, see the TRAVAX Viral Haemorrhagic Fever page.