Rwanda declares end to Marburg virus outbreak

Rwanda has officially declared an end to its Marburg virus outbreak following 42 consecutive days without any new cases.

The announcement was made by Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana during a news conference on Friday.

The outbreak, which began in mid-September, marked the East African country’s first encounter with the deadly viral hemorrhagic fever.

Over the course of the outbreak, Rwanda reported 66 confirmed cases, resulting in 15 deaths and 51 recoveries, according to the health ministry.

“It has been a long journey, but today we come to the end of the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda,” Minister Nsanzimana stated.

He confirmed that the declaration aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which require a 42-day period with no new cases after the last patient tests negative.

The minister noted, “It took us 42 days since the last patient tested negative and was discharged… Last night at midnight, exactly, was the end of the 42nd day; therefore, we declare Marburg over in Rwanda.”

Rwanda’s successful containment of the outbreak highlights the country’s effective public health response and adherence to global health standards.

The declaration brings relief to the nation and its healthcare system, signaling the end of a challenging period.