HYGIENE UPDATE MARBURG VIRUS OUTBREAK OCTOBER 2024
NEWS :
Rwanda Africa is battling with its first ever outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease, and this disease is a deadly illness related to Ebola. The African Centre of Disease Control and Prevention – [ACDC] together with the WHO are supporting the local government in containing this new outbreak.
The number of confirmed cases is 56 and the number of fatalities is 12 [Situation as of the 8th of October 2024] . But from the past we know that Marburg has to be taken extremely serious since the mortality rate can go up to 88%.
The latest development is that a new vaccine candidate – developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute – the authorities in Rwanda will be used in a clinical trial. This is of significant importance, since up to now no vaccine has been available to prevent any transfer of the deadly virus.
Disease outbreak:
The countries at risk are those countries in Africa that have a population of Rousette-bats.
Earlier outbreaks were reported in countries like Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Angola, Ghana, Guinea, Kenia and South Africa.
Outbreaks typically occur when people come in contact with infected green monkeys, pigs or Egyptian Rousette bats (a type of Old World fruit bat) – a common carrier of the virus. These bats are often found in mines and caves. Once the disease jumps from an infected animal to a human – so-called zoonotic spillover – it can spread from person to person through bodily fluids or by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as bedding.
According to WHO reporting: Marburg virus disease is not an airborne illness and is not contagious before symptoms appear. However, people can remain infectious for months after they have recovered and pass the disease on through bodily fluids.
The WHO assesses the risk of the Marburg virus outbreak as “very high” at the national level and “high” at the regional level. However, at a global level, the risk remains low.
HEALTHCARE LAUNDRY:
CINET – at this moment of time – doesn’t see any particular actions needed – in the short term. Since this event is seen as a local issue that is limited to Rwanda only. At the same time we will continue to monitor closely what is happening in Rwanda and come back to you if any actions are required.
