Travelers from Rwanda to be screened for Marburg

U.S. health officials are planning to screen travelers from Rwanda amid the outbreak of the Marburg virus in the country, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to begin scanning the week of Oct. 14 of international travelers who have been in Rwanda in the past 21 days. The CDC issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice on Monday, recommending people visiting Rwanda reconsider nonessential travel. 

There were 56 confirmed cases of the Marburg virus in Rwanda as of Monday, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. The government ministry said 36 people were in isolation and treatment along with 12 deaths. 

Marburg virus is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that can lead to serious illness and death, according to the CDC. Apart from fever, other symptoms can include rash and severe bleeding. It can spread through contact with animals and people. 

No cases have been detected in the U.S. Symptoms can emerge two to 21 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. 

“If any person develops signs and symptoms compatible with MVD [Marburg virus], they should immediately self-isolate and contact the health department for guidance,” the CDC said.

The CDC said “local health authorities in Rwanda are working to identify illnesses and conduct investigations, strengthen surveillance, identify sources of transmission, and educate communities and the public about the risks and dangers of Marburg.”