Rwanda has reported its first cases of Marburg disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate, according to the country’s health ministry.
In a statement released on Friday, officials indicated they were investigating the source of the infection and that the affected individuals had been isolated for treatment.
While the exact number of cases was not disclosed, the ministry described the situation as involving only a few patients.
Marburg disease, which can have a fatality rate of up to 88%, belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and is primarily transmitted to humans through fruit bats, spreading further through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, muscle aches, and abdominal pain.
Rwanda’s neighbor, Tanzania, reported cases of Marburg in 2023, while Uganda had similar incidents in 2017.
Marburg disease remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Central and East Africa, due to its high mortality rate and potential for outbreaks.
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