U.S. allocates $11 million in emergency aid to support Rwanda’s fight against Marburg Virus --[Reported by Umva mag]

The United States has committed $11 million (approximately 14 billion Rwandan Francs) to support Rwanda in combating the ongoing Marburg virus outbreak. This was announced by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on October 7, 2024.

The financial aid comes after Rwanda’s Ministry of Health confirmed the country’s first cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) on September 27, 2024. As of October 7, the outbreak has resulted in 56 confirmed cases, with 12 fatalities, 8 recoveries, and 36 patients still receiving treatment.

Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the U.S. is collaborating closely with Rwandan health authorities to control the spread of the virus. “As we’ve seen in recent years, pandemics are a global issue that we must address collectively,” she said, emphasizing the need for international cooperation. She also noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assessed the risk of the virus spreading to the U.S. as currently low.

The $11 million contribution is aimed at bolstering Rwanda’s health response and supporting efforts in neighboring countries. Alongside the financial support, the U.S. has also provided Marburg virus vaccines, which are being administered to high-risk groups such as healthcare workers. American experts have been deployed to assist Rwanda in managing the outbreak.

To prevent the spread of the virus internationally, enhanced screening measures have been put in place for travelers from Rwanda to the United States.

The Marburg virus can remain dormant in an infected individual for up to 21 days before symptoms appear, often making early detection difficult. The virus shares initial symptoms with diseases like malaria, including high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen as the virus attacks the body.

Health officials stress the importance of early treatment, which can significantly improve a patient’s chances of survival. The Marburg virus has a mortality rate ranging from 26% to 89%, depending on the timeliness of treatment and the severity of the infection.

The virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids or blood of an infected person. Preventive measures include maintaining strict hygiene standards and avoiding contact with individuals displaying symptoms of the disease.

The U.S. commitment marks a significant step in global efforts to curtail the spread of the Marburg virus, which poses a severe threat to public health in Rwanda and beyond.

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