Risk assessment for EU/SEE: Marburg virus epidemic in Rwanda

The outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda, reported on 27 September 2024, has so far caused 58 cases and 13 deaths, mainly among healthcare workers. MVD, a serious viral disease, is only transmissible through direct contact with the body fluids of infected people or animals, or contaminated objects. It is not contagious before the symptoms and does not spread by air. There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines, although trials are underway. The Rwandan authorities have taken restrictive measures to contain the outbreak, including border controls and vaccination of health workers with an experimental vaccine. The risk of infection for EU/EEA citizens visiting or living in Rwanda is assessed as low, due to the limited number of cases and transmission modes.