What you need to know about the Marburg virus

On 27 September, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus in Kigali, the country’s capital.

Several cases have been identified and isolated. As of 30 September, there are 26 confirmed cases and eight fatalities. The government is tracing 300 contacts, and numbers are expected to rise. To help control the spread, Rwanda has increased surveillance and testing. While there are no movement restrictions, hospital visits are temporarily banned, and strict guidelines for funeral practices have been introduced.

What is Marburg?

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe, highly infectious viral haemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. The virus has a high mortality rate – estimated to exceed 50% - and poses a significant public health risk due to the lack of a specific treatment or vaccine.

The virus is transmitted from fruit bats (Rousettus species) to humans. Once a person is infected, Marburg spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or diarrhoea, making caregivers, family members, and healthcare workers particularly vulnerable. The virus is not airborne but can also spread through contaminated surfaces. Even after death, the virus remains contagious, especially during burial.

Symptoms of Marburg virus

Symptoms can appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure. Early signs are often mistaken for flu or malaria, making early detection challenging.

• High fever

• Muscle aches

• Severe headaches

• Chills

• Tiredness

As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

• Chest pain

• Skin rashes

In severe cases, spontaneous bleeding from the mouth, nose, or other orifices may occur. Many patients also suffer from multiple organ failure, which can be fatal.

Treatment and isolation

There is no specific treatment for Marburg. Care focuses on supportive measures such as IV fluids and organ support. Healthcare workers need to wear full protective equipment, which adds to the challenges of treatment.

Anyone exposed to the virus must be monitored for 21 days, but they are not infectious until symptoms appear. Patients need to be treated in specialised, isolated facilities to prevent further spread.

Prevention

With no vaccine currently available, preventing the spread of Marburg relies on public health measures and community awareness. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• Avoid travelling to affected areas.

• Stay away from anyone showing symptoms.

• Seek immediate medical care if you feel unwell.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and use alcohol-based sanitiser.

• Avoid contact with dead bodies, especially during funeral preparations.

• Follow all public health guidelines, such as temperature screenings.

Stay informed by following updates from the Rwanda Ministry of Health (@RwandaHealth on X) and report any symptoms immediately by calling the Rwanda Biomedical Centre at 114.