Rwanda has successfully contained the spread of the Marburg virus, limiting the risk of the outbreak extending beyond its borders, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Jean Kaseya said.
Kaseya, in Kigali to attend the 2nd Biashara Afrika African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) event and assess the country’s handling of the outbreak, praised Rwanda’s efforts in controlling the deadly hemorrhagic fever. He said the measures in place have significantly reduced the possibility of the virus spreading, countering international travel advisories.
“We congratulate Rwanda. What I saw in Rwanda is amazing. I haven’t seen this level of organization in many African countries,” Kaseya said during a briefing on health emergencies, including Marburg and Mpox. “There is almost zero risk — I would estimate about 95% certainty — that the disease will not spread outside of Rwanda.”
Rwanda’s response, which includes a centralized system to trace and treat contacts, impressed Kaseya. He highlighted the collaboration between health authorities, law enforcement, and medical facilities, including the swift deployment of ambulances when cases are reported.
Rwanda reported its first Marburg case at the end of September. According to Kaseya, Rwanda’s transparent approach to the outbreak, along with its effective monitoring of contacts, ensures that no infected individual can leave the country. He criticized Western nations for maintaining travel bans despite Rwanda’s successful efforts.
“We believe our partners and Western countries will acknowledge Africa CDC’s stance, supported by the World Health Organization, that a travel ban should not apply to Rwanda,” Kaseya said, emphasizing that Rwanda is doing more than many countries to control the outbreak.
Rwanda reported zero new cases and no new deaths in the most recent report, according to Kaseya, who said the country’s fatality rate stands at 22%. This is significantly lower than rates seen in previous Marburg outbreaks, which have ranged from 60% to 85%.
Rwanda’s Health Minister, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, expressed gratitude to international partners who provided vaccines and therapeutics. He said Rwanda has conducted nearly 3,000 tests and confirmed 58 cases, 15 of whom have recovered. Thirteen people have died.
Nsanzimana also highlighted measures at entry points, including Kigali International Airport and land borders, to prevent the virus from spreading outside the country. “We are responsible not only for protecting our population but also the global community,” he said.
At the AfCFTA event on Oct. 9, President Paul Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to containing the Marburg outbreak.
