KIGALI, Rwanda (BG) – The Rwandan Ministry of Health announced on Friday that the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in the country has officially ended.

The announcement follows 42 consecutive days with no new cases and the discharge of the last confirmed patient, meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. 

The outbreak, which began in mid-September 2024, resulted in 66 confirmed cases, with 15 lives lost and 51 patients recovering.

Among the recovered were two patients who were successfully extubated after intensive care, marking a significant achievement in clinical management.

“This is an important milestone for Rwanda’s public health system. While we mourn the lives lost, we are encouraged by the progress made,” said Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.

“We have reached this point because of the dedication of our healthcare workers, the government, and our partners whose seamless collaboration and swift, coordinated action made it possible to contain the outbreak effectively. We have successfully identified the virus’s zoonotic origin and we continue to strengthen our surveillance systems,” Nsanzimana added.

From the onset of the outbreak, Rwanda swiftly activated a pandemic response strategy, including establishing a 24/7 command post to oversee all aspects of response efforts.

“The robust response by Rwanda shows how committed leadership, concerted efforts by partners and a strong health system are crucial in addressing public health emergencies, saving and protecting lives as well as safeguarding the health of individuals and communities,” said Dr Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda.   

Measures included surveillance, testing, case management, vaccination, risk communication, and community engagement.

The Ministry of Health credited the coordinated efforts of government agencies, healthcare workers, and partners to ensure an efficient, evidence-based response that controlled the outbreak.

The successful containment of the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak highlights Rwanda’s commitment to building resilient health systems and its readiness to respond rapidly to future health emergencies.

WHO said it continues to work closely with the national authorities to maintain critical measures to ensure swift detection and response in case of any flare-up or new spillover of the virus.

The virus that causes Marburg is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola Virus Disease.

It is highly virulent, with a fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%. According to WHO, the fatality rate was lower in this outbreak, at around 23%.