CDC statement on Marburg cases in Rwanda

The CDC is aware of 26 people with Marburg virus disease, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Rwanda confirmed. According to the ministry, eight of these people have died. CDC is in contact with health authorities in the Republic of Rwanda and throughout the region. To date, no cases of Marburg virus disease have been reported in the United States associated with this outbreak, and the expected risk of Marburg virus disease to the general population in the United States is low.

CDC has a long-standing presence in Rwanda, opening an office there in 2002. The CDC office in Rwanda works closely with the government to strengthen health systems and prevent communicable diseases, including training scientists through the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), which supports Rwanda's capacity to investigate disease outbreaks. CDC has worked closely with the Republic of Rwanda to implement the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the President's Malaria Initiative (co-implemented by USAID). These investments and partnerships have strengthened core competencies that can also be used to respond to this outbreak. CDC's ongoing coordination across the U.S. government includes collaboration with the Ambassador of Rwanda and the team at the post working to address critical public health challenges in the country. CDC also has a long-standing and trusting relationship with the Ministry of Health in Rwanda.

CDC has offered additional support to Rwanda. CDC is deploying subject matter experts to assist the country in investigating and responding to this outbreak. Staff will use their experience in responding to outbreaks of Marburg virus disease AND similar diseases in other countries to support epidemiology, contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease detection and control along borders, and the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections.

Marburg virus disease is a rare, severe viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola that is transmitted by certain species of bats in several countries in Africa. It can cause fatal infections in humans. The virus can also be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with sick people. Healthcare workers in outbreak areas are at increased risk of infection. Symptoms may appear suddenly and include fever, rash, and heavy bleeding. For more information about Marburg virus disease, see About Marburg disease | Marburg virus disease | CDC.