Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda, 2024 - Public Health and Clinical Responses.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak reported in Rwanda on September 27, 2024, following detection of viral hemorrhagic fever cases.
• The outbreak occurred in two urban hospitals, prompting an urgent public health response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of the MVD outbreak in Rwanda.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented control measures and investigational therapies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of epidemiologic and clinical data from the outbreak response.
• Case-series analysis of patients receiving supportive care and investigational treatments.
• Characterization of clinical manifestations, disease progression, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 66 laboratory-confirmed MVD cases, with 77% being healthcare workers.
• Median incubation period of 10 days; symptom onset 2 days before hospitalization.
• Zoonotic origin suspected, linked to Egyptian fruit bat exposure; case fatality rate of 23%.
• Investigational treatments (Remdesivir, MBP091) and a vaccine (ChAd3-MARV) were administered.

Conclusions:

• Containment measures, advanced supportive care, and investigational countermeasures likely reduced MVD mortality.
• Strengthening surveillance, infection control, and timely medical countermeasure deployment are crucial for future filovirus outbreaks.