FCDO current advice on Marburg Virus in Rwanda

“The Rwandan Ministry of Health recently issued a public update that Marburg virus disease has been confirmed in health facilities in the country. We understand it is present in hospitals in Kigali. Investigations are being carried out to determine the origin of the infection.

The Rwandan Ministry of Health has issued advice on avoiding close contact with symptomatic people, practicing enhanced hygiene measures, and the symptoms of Marburg virus disease to look out for.

To prevent the spread of MVD, all travellers departing Rwanda are asked to complete a symptom-screening questionnaire in advance of exiting the country”

Dr Richard Dawood  ATTA®’s Medical advisor comments:

“Marburg is a blood-borne virus requiring close personal contact with symptomatic cases, usually in a healthcare setting. A key feature of the infection is that non-symptomatic individuals cannot spread infection.

Obviously, the situation is being closely monitored and there is no room for complacency, but in relation to tourism and travel, the position could not be clearer: normal travel activities do not pose a risk.

The public health measures needed to control an outbreak of this type are also clear, and my expectations are that this outbreak will be brought quickly to an end.”