Control measures for EU travellers due to Marburg outbreak in Rwanda

Germany isolated two returning travellers from Rwanda, and placed them in a facility where they were treated for Marburg virus disease (MVD). Their tests were negative on 3 October. Rwanda reported the first MVD outbreak on 27 September 2024, with 36 cases and 11 deaths. The Rwandese government has initiated epidemiological investigations and control measures, while a traveller in Belgium completed monitoring without risk to public health. The virus transmission requires contact with the body fluids of symptomatic patients, and the risk for EU/EEA travellers is low. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) suggests avoiding contact with infected people, health facilities in the affected areas, and habitats populated by bats or wild animals. The ECDC is also working with international partners to develop guidelines for the EU. The Marburg virus is not transmitted by air and becomes contagious only with the appearance of symptoms. The incubation period is 5-10 days, with initial symptoms similar to influenza, followed by worsening in some cases.