This autumn, there was a deadly disease outbreak in Rwanda, a country in East Africa. However, many people may not have heard about it, and according to Professor Craig Spencer, that’s actually a positive thing.
Dr. Craig Spencer is an associate professor at Brown University specializing in health services, policy, and infectious diseases like Marburg. He has been advising the U.S. response to the outbreak in Rwanda, drawing from his experience treating infected patients worldwide for over a decade. We asked Dr. Spencer to share insights about the Marburg outbreak and its implications.
The Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, causes severe symptoms. While Marburg outbreaks are not as common, they are concerning due to their high fatality rates, ranging from 25% to 88%. This means that if infected, there is a significant chance of not surviving.
In Rwanda, the Marburg outbreak was initially linked to miners in the western part of the country who were exposed to infected bats. The virus then spread to the capital, Kigali.
Rapid response measures were implemented, including training programs, testing, isolation, and international assistance, which helped contain the outbreak. Efforts are also being made to develop a Marburg vaccine.
The Sabin Institute has been working on vaccines for diseases like Marburg, which may not have a large market but are crucial for managing outbreaks. Rwanda quickly requested and received vaccines, demonstrating a swift and effective response.
The response in Rwanda showcases the importance of investing in global health security and building strong health systems. The country’s proactive approach, led by the Ministry of Health, highlights the significance of coordinated efforts in containing outbreaks.
Lessons from Rwanda’s response can be valuable for other countries, including the U.S. The key takeaway is the importance of coordinated messaging, rapid action, and community trust in responding to health crises.
The success in containing the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda underscores the importance of global collaboration in ensuring health security for all.
