6 die in Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda

An outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda has thus far claimed the lives of six people, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana has said, reported dpa.

A total of 26 cases of the highly infectious disease, formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever (MHF), had been confirmed, the minister said in an update posted on social media platform X.

The 20 patients currently being treated are largely medical personnel and are being kept in isolation as investigations into the outbreak's source are proceeding. Preventive measures have been increased at all health facilities.

MVD's symptoms include cramps, vomiting with blood and diarrhoea. Up to 88% of those infected succumb to the disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The pathogen is named after the German city, as a laboratory assistant became infected with the as-yet unknown disease there in 1967 while handling an infected monkey.

Infection in humans is through contact with the body fluids of infected people. The virus is thought to be carried by bats.