The Marburg fever outbreak in Rwanda is under control, making travel bans unnecessary, according to the head of Africa’s leading public health agency. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, announced Thursday that the chances of the Ebola-like virus spreading beyond Rwanda are extremely low due to the country’s robust response.
Rwanda reported the outbreak on Sept. 27, with 13 fatalities to date. While there is no approved vaccine or treatment for Marburg, the country recently received 700 doses of a trial vaccine from the U.S.-based Sabin Vaccine Institute, designated for health workers, emergency responders, and those in contact with confirmed cases. More than 200 individuals have been vaccinated.
“The system they implemented to track contacts ensures that no one can leave Rwanda,” Kaseya said, praising the government’s efforts. “They are monitoring these contacts every day.”
Despite the controlled situation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its travel advisory for Rwanda earlier this week, recommending that people reconsider non-essential travel to the country. The advisory mandates screening for recent travelers to Rwanda. Kaseya criticized the decision, noting it was made without consultation with the Africa CDC or Rwandan officials, and says Rwanda should not be penalized for its transparency.
Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, confirmed 58 cases of Marburg in the country, with 12 recoveries.
He echoed Kaseya’s disapproval of the American travel advisory, calling it “not the best approach.”
