Combating Marburg Virus: New Vaccine and Treatment Trials Underway

Rwanda is set to launch a vaccination and treatment trial for Marburg virus disease, as announced by the Rwanda Ministry of Health.

This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the Marburg virus, which can cause severe viral hemorrhagic fever and has a high fatality rate. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of potential vaccines and treatments to help combat outbreaks.

Dr. Butera Yvan, the Rwandan Minister of State for Health, announced that Rwanda would launch an experiment to protect and treat the population in order to safeguard the lives of those at high risk of contracting the disease.

“About to start vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials to protect high-risk groups,” he tweeted.

He also mentioned the ongoing monitoring of 410 contacts, aiming to break transmission chains, with 5 patients now testing negative, alongside further clinical and laboratory assessments.

The Ministry of Health revealed last night that 36 people were infected by the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda from September 27 to October 2, 2024, including seven new cases. Of these, 25 individuals are still receiving medical care.

Since the epidemic arrived in Rwanda on September 27, 11 infected individuals have died, including one on October 2.

The National Institute of Health (RBC) explained that, so far, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available, but testing of drugs and vaccines has reached a promising level.

According to IGIHE, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stated that vaccination could begin in the next two weeks, starting with those already present at the doctor’s office.

“That’s what we’re planning to do soon. These days it might not take a few weeks, but we don’t have an exact date that we’re working toward,” he explained.

The vaccines and drugs that will be used are in the final stages of regular drug research, and Dr. Nsanzimana noted that they would work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Vaccines are in the final stages of research, but there are also drugs to combat this virus that have not yet reached the market. We have contacted the WHO to expedite the process,” he stated.

As of now, the origin of the virus in Rwanda is unknown, but Dr. Nsanzimana mentioned that research is still underway to determine its source.

He reassured the public that if the source of the virus is identified, Rwandans will be informed.

Those most at risk of contracting the disease include medical personnel, individuals who come into contact with a Marburg victim’s body at a funeral, and those who have been in contact with a symptomatic person who has had Marburg.

The basic symptoms of Marburg are similar to those of other illnesses, such as malaria, typhoid, measles, and other febrile conditions. These symptoms include: high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The Marburg virus is spread through contact with the cells or blood of an infected person or through contact with objects and places contaminated with these cells.

The RBC explained that a person who has been infected with Marburg but has not yet exhibited symptoms is not at high risk of infecting others.