Marburg virus disease outbreak – Rwanda 2024

On 27 September 2024, the Ministry of Health of Rwanda confirmed the country’s first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), with health-care workers in Kigali particularly affected. The outbreak was declared over on 20 December 2024 by the government, following 42 days without any new confirmed cases reported. While sporadic outbreaks have occurred in various parts of Africa since the first recognized cases in 1967, this outbreak was the third largest outbreak of MVD ever recorded to date. Marburg virus disease is a severe disease clinically similar to Ebola disease. With no approved treatments or vaccines for MVD, early intervention for those showing symptoms is crucial for improving survival rates. 

The Government of Rwanda coordinated the response with support from WHO and partners. WHO deployed experts to support the response and provided critical supplies for diagnosis, infection, prevention and control, and care for patients. Public health activities included  contact tracing, early detection and care, community engagement and risk communication. 

Treatments and vaccines against Marburg virus disease are in development, and WHO worked with national authorities to facilitate the delivery of these products, and to support national researchers’ readiness to carry out clinical trials. 

WHO launched an appeal with a requirement of US$ 7.7 million to support the Government of Rwanda and partners to implement a rapid, adaptive and comprehensive response. 

WHO continues to work with Rwanda to ensure readiness for any future outbreaks.