The CDC will begin screening travelers from Rwanda to the US for the Marburg virus.

 The CDC will begin screening travelers from Rwanda to the US for the Marburg virus.

Due to an outbreak of the Marburg virus in Rwanda, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced that travelers arriving in the United States from Rwanda who have been there in the last 21 days will undergo screening starting next week.

 

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease outside Rwanda, and officials indicate that the risk to the US remains low. Nonetheless, the CDC plans to implement public health entry screening during the week of October 14 to help prevent the importation and spread of the virus. Additionally, the CDC is issuing a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, advising individuals to reconsider nonessential travel to Rwanda. Automated messages will also be sent to air travelers arriving from Rwanda with important information and instructions.

 

As of Monday, Rwanda has reported 56 confirmed cases of Marburg, with 36 individuals in isolation and treatment, and 12 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. Many cases involve healthcare workers, as noted by the CDC.

 

Marburg is caused by an orthomarburgvirus, which is naturally found in fruit bats and is in the same family as the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals and can also be contracted by handling contaminated clothing or bedding. Unlike COVID-19, Marburg is not airborne, making it easier to control.

 

Symptoms can take up to three weeks to manifest and typically begin with a rash and fever, followed by vomiting, severe headaches, and muscle aches. In severe instances, patients may experience bleeding from the nose, gums, and eyes, and internal bleeding can occur, leading to shock and potentially death in up to 90% of cases.

 

Currently, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for Marburg; care mainly focuses on rest and hydration.

 

The CDC and WHO have deployed teams to Rwanda to assist local public health efforts.

 

White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stated that the US government is collaborating closely with Rwanda to manage the outbreak. He mentioned that the US has committed nearly $11 million to support urgent health needs in Rwanda and surrounding regions, including surveillance, contact tracing, and exit screening at airports and border crossings. While there are no FDA-approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg, the US has sent investigational vaccine doses and therapeutics to Rwanda.

 

Last week, the CDC advised US healthcare providers to monitor for possible Marburg symptoms in patients with travel histories and to isolate those who show symptoms and are at high risk until they test negative. Travelers to affected areas are also advised to avoid healthcare facilities unless urgent medical care is needed.