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Marburg virus in Rwanda: Six dead

Six people have died as a result of the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, said the health minister.

Sabin Nsanzimana said most of the dead were health workers in the intensive care unit.

20 cases have been identified since the disease was confirmed on Friday.

Marburg, which has a fatality rate of up to 88%, is from the same family of viruses as Ebola. It spreads to humans from fruit bats and contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting and, in some cases, death from severe blood loss.

There are no specific treatments or vaccines for the virus, but a variety of blood products, medications and immunosuppressants are being developed, according to the World Health Organization.

Rwanda says it is stepping up tracing, surveillance and testing to help contain the spread.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, wash hands with clean water and soap or disinfectants and report all suspected cases.

Neighboring Tanzania reported an outbreak of violence in 2023, and three people died in Uganda in 2017.


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