Key Takeaways:
• Rwanda is dealing with its first outbreak of the Marburg virus, with 62 confirmed cases, 38 recoveries, and 15 deaths.
• There’s a significant decline in new Marburg cases as compared to the first two weeks of the outbreak in Rwanda.
• US imposes enhanced screening for travelers from Rwanda coming into JFK, Chicago O’Hare, or Washington-Dulles International.
• One of the measures is testing all travelers at Kigali International Airport and at land borders to avoid virus spread.
• The mpox virus continues to spread in Africa, with Zambia and Zimbabwe reporting their first cases recently.
• A new variant named Clade 1b is spreading more easily making mpox out of control, according to Africa CDC.
• The Africa CDC requires roughly 10 million doses and $600 million to contain the mpox outbreak.
Marburg Outbreak Causes Alert in Rwanda
Rwanda is experiencing its first outbreak of the lethal Marburg virus, a close relative to the Ebola virus. Known as one of the deadliest viruses, Marburg claims about 88% of its victims. So far, Rwanda’s Health Ministry has confirmed 62 Marburg cases, 38 recoveries, and 15 unsightly deaths.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana recently announced that the majority of the patients in treatment are showing signs of improvement. Despite the absence of licensed vaccines or treatments for the virus, Rwanda’s Marburg response has shown positive trends, with new infections reducing by over 50% in comparison to the initial two weeks.
More Caution, Less Infection
As a precautionary measure against Marburg, the US has imposed enhanced screening protocols for travelers arriving from Rwanda. Aiming for swift health screening, these travelers are required to fly directly into one of three assigned US airports – JFK, Chicago O’Hare, or Washington-Dulles International.
These preventive measures minimize the risk of the virus creeping into the US despite the low likelihood. Travelers with recent history in Rwanda will undergo temperature checks upon arrival. They’ll also answer questions about symptoms and potential exposure to the virus. This measure aims to curb the spreading of the Marburg virus, which can be easily contained once detected, as it requires close proximity to spread and is not airborne.
The Rising Concern of Mpox in Africa
Apart from Marburg, Africa is also grappling with the spreading mpox virus. Zambia and Zimbabwe recently reported their first instances of the virus, previously known as monkeypox. With a rise in concerns about the new variant called Clade 1b, which spreads more efficiently through close contact, authorities fear that mpox may be spiraling out of control.
This year, mpox claimed more than 900 mostly young victims with the Democratic Republic of Congo at the epidemic’s center. Now, 18 African countries, including Zambia and Zimbabwe, are dealing with mpox outbreaks. The World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years in August because of this.
A Call for Global Support and Vaccine Plans
The Africa CDC is urgently needing around 10 million doses and $600 million to contain the mpox outbreak. However, vaccine hoarding by developed countries and soaring prices are hindering the efforts to curb the virus spread. Alongside this, Uganda has reported two new mpox cases in a prison with 1,874 potential close contacts, underlining the urgent need for every nation to have a vaccination plan in place.
As the Marburg and mpox outbreaks persist, health officials continue to urge communities for vigilance. They do not only seek to contain the current outbreak but also to prevent future ones. The dire situation serves as a grim reminder that no country can stand alone in the face of these health threats. It’s a global fight, and an intensified collective effort is imperative.