Rwanda Reports First-Ever Marburg Outbreak; WHO Mobilizes Response Efforts

Rwanda has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever, following initial cases detected in September 2025. As of late November, the outbreak has resulted in at least 10 confirmed deaths, with additional suspected cases under investigation.

The Rwandan Ministry of Health, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO), launched an emergency response after the first cases were identified in the southern region of the country. Laboratory testing at the Uganda Virus Research Institute and WHO reference laboratories confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus, a pathogen closely related to Ebola with a historical case fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%.

Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats—the natural reservoir—and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Rapid onset of symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and hemorrhaging, makes early detection and isolation critical.

In response, WHO has deployed a team of epidemiologists, infection control specialists, and logisticians to support contact tracing, case management, community engagement, and laboratory diagnostics. Emergency supplies, including personal protective equipment and diagnostic kits, have been delivered to affected areas.

Neighboring countries, particularly Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—both with prior experience managing viral hemorrhagic fevers—have enhanced cross-border surveillance and preparedness measures.

No cases have been reported outside Rwanda to date. Authorities emphasize that the risk to the general international population remains low, but vigilance is essential given the virus’s high fatality rate and potential for rapid spread in healthcare settings without proper infection prevention protocols.

WHO continues to coordinate with regional and global partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.