What is the Marburg virus and why will the US CDC test travelers from Rwanda?

The Marburg virus has reared its deadly head once again, this time in Rwanda, causing alarm both within the country itself and across international borders. Marburg, a close relative of the better-known Ebola virus, is known for its high fatality rate – ranging from 50% to 88% – and its capacity to cause outbreaks that can quickly turn catastrophic without swift intervention. Rwanda’s health ministry has confirmed 46 cases since the virus was first detected in late September, with 12 deaths recorded so far.

Given the severity of the outbreak, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced plans to test travelers from Rwanda for symptoms of the virus. This preemptive move aims to curb any potential spread beyond the African continent, although the risk to global health remains low for now, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Learn more about the Marburg virus: name, symptoms, source

The Marburg virus, named after the German town where it was first identified in 1967, is a hemorrhagic fever virus in the same family as Ebola. Its symptoms start with sudden high fever, headaches, and nausea, but can quickly escalate to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and uncontrolled bleeding. The virus spreads to humans via prolonged contact with Rousettus fruit bats, typically found in mines and caves. Once a human is infected, it spreads through bodily fluids – blood, sweat, and even tears – meaning healthcare workers and those caring for the sick are particularly at risk.

While neighboring Uganda has dealt with multiple Marburg outbreaks over the years, this is the first for Rwanda, which makes the response even more urgent.

Why are travelers from Rwanda being tested?

OK, so it’s worth noting that there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg virus, and that makes early detection and containment all the more critical. Travelers from Rwanda, particularly those who may have come into contact with infected individuals or healthcare workers, will be tested by the CDC upon arrival to the US to prevent any potential outbreak in the country. We all lived through covid-19 and lessons, to some degree, have been learned.

Marburg has made a habit of surprising public health officials by emerging in new areas. In 2021, Guinea reported West Africa’s first case. In 2022, Ghana had its own outbreak, followed by Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea in 2023. Now, with Rwanda facing one of the largest known outbreaks, health authorities worldwide are on alert.

Is there a Marburg vaccine?

In short, not yet. Rwanda has just started administering doses of experimental vaccines, focusing on those most at risk, the aforementioned healthcare workers, ICU staff, and close contacts of confirmed cases. The vaccines, supplied in part by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, offer hope but are not a guaranteed shield.

Researchers around the globe are racing to develop a more robust defense against Marburg, and a clinical trial for a potential vaccine even began this summer in the UK, using technology from the AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine. But for now, prevention remains the best strategy, and that includes tight monitoring of potential spread through international travelers.