CDC Statement on Marburg Cases in Rwanda

CDC is aware of 26 individuals with Marburg virus disease, as confirmed by the Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Health. According to the Ministry, eight of those individuals have died. CDC is in communication with health officials in the Republic of Rwanda and across the region. To date, no cases of Marburg virus disease related to this outbreak have been reported in the United States, and the anticipated risk of Marburg virus disease to the general population in the United States is low.

CDC has a longstanding presence in Rwanda, having established an office there in 2002. CDC’s Rwanda office works closely with the government to strengthen health systems and prevent communicable diseases, including training scientists through the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), which supports Rwanda’s capacity to investigate disease outbreaks. CDC has worked closely with the Republic of Rwanda to implement the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the President’s Malaria Initiative (co-implemented by USAID). These investments and partnerships have strengthened core capabilities that can be utilized to respond to this outbreak, as well. CDC’s ongoing coordination across the U.S. Government includes collaboration with the Ambassador of Rwanda and the team at post, working to address critical public health challenges in the country. CDC also has a long standing and trusted relationship with the Ministry of Health in Rwanda.

CDC has offered additional support to Rwanda. CDC is deploying subject matter experts to assist with the country’s investigation and response to this outbreak. The staff will use experience from responding to outbreaks of Marburg virus disease AND similar diseases in other countries to support epidemiology, contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease detection and control along borders and hospital infection prevention and control.

Marburg virus disease is a rare, severe viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, which is spread in several countries in Africa by certain types of bats. It can cause deadly infections in people. The virus can also spread from person-to-person through direct contact with people who are sick. Healthcare workers in outbreak settings are at an increased risk of infection. Symptoms can appear suddenly and may include fever, rash, and severe bleeding. For more information on Marburg virus disease, please visit About Marburg Disease | Marburg virus disease | CDC.