Rwanda has officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), marking a significant milestone in the country’s public health efforts. The announcement comes after 42 days without any new cases, following the last patient’s second consecutive negative test result, in line with protocols established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The outbreak, first confirmed on 27 September 2024, resulted in 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths, with a fatality rate of approximately 23%. Health workers were among the hardest hit, accounting for nearly 80% of cases as they provided care to infected colleagues and patients. This highlights the risks faced by frontline responders during such crises and the importance of protecting health workers in high-stakes situations.

The Rwandan government, with critical support from WHO and other partners, mounted a swift and coordinated response to curb the spread of the virus. Measures included enhanced disease surveillance, widespread testing, improved infection prevention protocols, and intensive public awareness campaigns. These efforts proved remarkably effective, halving the number of cases within the first three weeks and reducing them by 90% in the following weeks.

Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda, commended the response, stating, “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.”

The success of the containment strategy was bolstered by the deployment of WHO experts and first responders from across the region. Local health teams worked tirelessly to ensure that every suspected and confirmed case was managed appropriately. The last confirmed case tested negative for the second time on 7 November 2024, triggering the mandatory 42-day observation period before the outbreak was officially declared over.

The Marburg virus, a close relative of the Ebola virus, is highly virulent, with fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88%. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or materials. Despite its lethal potential, Rwanda’s containment efforts ensured that the outbreak’s fatality rate remained at the lower end of the spectrum.

WHO continues to work closely with Rwandan authorities to strengthen systems for early detection and rapid response in case of future outbreaks. Support is also being provided to survivors through holistic care programs designed to address the potential long-term health effects of the disease.

This achievement underscores the critical role of strong leadership, international collaboration, and resilient health systems in managing public health emergencies. Rwanda’s success in containing this outbreak serves as a powerful example for other nations and reinforces the importance of preparedness in the face of emerging infectious diseases.