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Marburg: Rwanda commences vaccination against disease

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Rwanda has commenced vaccination against Marburg disease

The Republic of Rwanda has commenced vaccination against Marburg Visue Disease (MVD) in the country, on October 6, 2024.

According to the Rwandan Health Minister, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana on a press conference held in the Capital city; “The vaccination is starting today immediately”.

Dr. Nsanzimana disclosed that Rwanda has commenced vaccination against Marburg Virus Disease to curb the outbreak in the country.

Nsanzimana emphasized that the vaccinations would target those “most at risk, most exposed health care workers working in treatment centers, and also the close contacts of the confirmed cases.”

He stated that the nation has commenced the administeration of vaccine doses, including those from the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

He said; “The Marburg vaccine, produced by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, has already proven effective in countries like Uganda and Kenya,” emphasizing that it is both safe and trusted.”

According to Xinhua Net, he stated that approximately 700 doses of the vaccine have been received.

He said that they are expecting additional doses shortly to continue protecting public health.

He stated that testing facilities like laboratories and other equipments are being increased by providing such in every province.

“These facilities are to increase the testing capacity for the MVD, ensure timely diagnosis and check further spread,” he added.

He stated that the vaccine serves as a powerful tool which Rwanda has commenced vaccination against Marburg Virus Disease with.

Xinhua Net stated that the number of tests conducted so far is approximately 1,748.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in Rwanda, Mr. Brian Chirombo, emphasized the significance of safeguarding healthcare workers.

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Mr. Chirombo pointed out that the virus first struck them.

“We must protect our frontline workers to ensure they can continue to save lives,” Chirombo said.

He further stated that eleven experts have been sent by the WHO to assist Rwanda in responding quickly to the Marburg outbreak.

Since the first outbreak of MVD was discovered in Rwanda in late September, 46 cases and 12 fatalities have been documented.

About Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)

MVD is a highly virulent disease. With a fatality rate of up to 88 percent, this disease comes with bleeding and fever.

WHO states that it is a member of the same virus family that causes Ebola virus sickness.

The Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the family of filoviridae, sometimes known as filoviruses.

The Marburg virus is contracted through the Rousettus bat.

This is a fruit bat species that is frequently found in caverns or mines.

This bat is the initial source of infection for humans.

Transmission:

Direct contact with an infected person’s blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials, are means of MVD transmission.

Healthcare workers have previously contracted the virus while tending to patients with MVD that is either proven or suspected.

This is the recent case of Rwanda that has commenced vaccination against Marburg Virus Disease.

Incubation period and Symptoms:

The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days.

Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise.

On the third day, severe watery diarrhea, cramps and pain in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting may start.

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Even though not every case exhibits symptoms like blood loss, severe bleeding can develop five to seven days after the onset of symptoms.

In fatal cases, shock and significant blood loss typically occur eight to nine days following the onset of symptoms.

This can eventually lead to death.

Vaccination:

Currently, several potential vaccinations are also being developed according to WHO.


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