Rwanda declared an outbreak of Marburg virus in late September 2024 cautioning all travellers and citizens of its nature as a virus. As of September, 30, 27 confirmed cases and 9 deaths have been reported; most of the cases are health care workers. Over 297 contacts have been registered and are under follow-up.
Minister Nsanzimana, outlined vaccination strategies being put in place at a briefing with the diplomatic corps and development partners.
Credible news sources confirm that Rwanda received 700 doses of a vaccine under trial, which has been offered to health professionals and those who have come into contact with confirmed cases.
One of the health professionals, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital, Augustin Sendegeya noted that the vaccines are already in use. Although the vaccine is still under trial, Sendegeya said he believes it is safe and could be invaluable for those who are at risk of becoming infected. “We had been communicated that the vaccines are available. I think we took it as a great opportunity to have it and to boost our immune system,”
Some doctors have also insisted that they have seen no major side effects from the vaccine. “I don’t even expect much because I saw people who took the vaccine yesterday and they did not have many symptoms,” said Blaise Dushimiyimana, a Gynecologist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali.
More than 200 people in the country have received the vaccine so far.
