Uganda’s Ministry of Health has deployed a surge team to Rwanda to support ongoing efforts to manage the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak that has significantly impacted the East African nation.
This initiative, was announced by Uganda’s Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, saying it is done in the spirit of regional collaboration.
“The dedication of our team is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to regional health security and the protection of our people. Working together, we can better respond to health threats that transcend borders,” Dr. Atwine said in a statement on X.
This cross-border initiative highlights the shared responsibility of East African nations in managing infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in areas where proximity and travel increase the risk of disease spread.
The Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, which began on September 15, has resulted in 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths as of October 31, translating to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 23%. Two new cases were confirmed in the last week of October, indicating the continued threat posed by the virus. The highly contagious and often fatal disease, caused by the Marburg virus, presents symptoms similar to Ebola, including severe hemorrhagic fever, muscle pain, and bleeding. The virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through human-to-human transmission via body fluids.
Uganda’s support comes as no surprise, given its extensive experience in handling Marburg outbreaks over the years.
The country’s first documented case dates back to 2007, when an outbreak emerged among miners at the Kitaka mine in Kamwenge district, marking the beginning of the nation’s challenging journey with the disease. Further cases were reported in 2008, affecting travelers who had visited caves in Western Uganda.
The virus continued to re-emerge in Uganda, with notable outbreaks in 2012 in the Kabale, Ibanda, and Mbarara districts, where 15 cases were confirmed, resulting in four deaths. Another fatal case of MVD happened in Mpigi District in 2014. The most recent outbreak in Uganda occurred in Kween District in 2017, resulting in three fatalities out of four confirmed and probable cases.
