MVD outbreak declared over in Rwanda

The Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda was declared over by the government after no new cases were reported for 42 days, following two negative tests from the last patient, as per WHO recommendation. The epidemic, confirmed on 27 September 2024, was the first in Rwanda, with 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths, affecting mainly health workers (80% of cases). A comprehensive response, including surveillance, testing, infection control, contact tracing, and public awareness, led to a 90% reduction in cases. WHO’s support and expert deployment were critical in the response to the mpox outbreak. For this reason, WHO continues to sustain Rwanda in post-epidemic recovery and preparedness. The virus that causes Marburg belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. It is highly contagious, with a mortality rate ranging between 24% and 88%. In this outbreak, the mortality rate was in the lowest range, around 23%. Marburg virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans, spreading through contact with bodily fluids.