Rwanda Begins Vaccine Trials for Deadly Marburg Virus
Rwanda Begins Vaccine Trials for Deadly Marburg Virus
By Makuochi Okafor & Danai Nesta Kupemba, BBC News
In a critical step to address the ongoing health crisis, Rwanda has commenced vaccine trials for the deadly Marburg virus, a highly contagious disease that has already claimed at least 12 lives in the country. The majority of these fatalities have been among healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of the outbreak.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health has secured 700 doses of a promising new vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a U.S.-based nonprofit that has been at the forefront of vaccine research. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced that those most at risk, such as medical professionals and individuals who have been in direct contact with Marburg patients, will be prioritized during the initial phase of the trials.
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The Marburg virus shares many similarities with Ebola, presenting with symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death due to massive blood loss. According to Rwanda’s health authorities, 46 cases have been confirmed, making this the first outbreak of the virus in the country. The source of the infection remains unidentified.
To curb the spread of the disease, funeral sizes for victims have been restricted, and the government has initiated strict health measures including travel restrictions, temperature screenings, passenger questionnaires, and hand-sanitizing stations at airports and other key departure points.
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Rwandan health officials are reassuring the public about the safety of the vaccine, which has already undergone trials in Kenya and Uganda. Nsanzimana emphasized, "People should not worry; this vaccine has been tested and we are confident in its safety."
However, the trials are currently limited to adults aged 18 and older, and there are no immediate plans to include children in the study. The health minister added that Rwanda is preparing to acquire more doses to expand the vaccination effort as the outbreak evolves.
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The outbreak in Rwanda follows similar incidents in neighboring Tanzania and Uganda. In 2023, Tanzania reported a significant outbreak of the virus, while Uganda recorded three fatalities from the disease in 2017. The Marburg virus is believed to be transmitted to humans through fruit bats and can then spread via contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
With the international spotlight on Rwanda’s response, the country’s swift action in rolling out the vaccine offers a glimmer of hope for controlling the spread of this lethal virus.
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