Brits travelling to Rwanda have been issued an urgent warning amid an outbreak of a potentially deadly virus in the African country. In an update, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared guidance on the Marburg virus disease, which has a “high fatality rate”. A total of 58 confirmed cases and 13 deaths have been reported in Rwanda, according to Travel Health Pro. This is the first time the disease has been detected in the country.
An emergency response is now underway in Rwanda, including infection prevention and control measures, contact tracing, and case management in affected communities to prevent further spread. The disease is spread by close contact with an infected person, and symptoms include severe headache, watery diarrhoea, bleeding under the skin, and even bleeding from the eyes among others.
The UKHSA said: “You may have seen reports about a rise in cases of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, which we are monitoring closely. Marburg virus belongs to the filovirus family, along with Ebola. It can cause haemorrhagic fever, meaning it can damage blood vessels and cause bleeding, and its presentation can be hard to distinguish from Ebola virus disease. It can cause people to become very poorly and while it has a high fatality rate, it does not spread easily.”
Symptoms of Marburg virus disease generally appear between three to 21 days after close exposure to an infected person. The Cleveland Clinic explains that symptoms of Marburg happen in two phases. The first phase of symptoms lasts five to seven days and includes fever, chills, severe headache, and other symptoms. The second phase of symptoms can include abdominal or chest pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and bleeding from various body parts.
Travel Health Pro advises travellers to Rwanda to remain aware of up-to-date, reliable information on specific areas affected, as these may change over time. Precautions to reduce the risk of infection include washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with infected individuals or bodily fluids, and following strict hygiene measures. If travellers become unwell within 21 days of returning from Rwanda, they are advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP and mention their travel history and potential exposure to the virus.
The outbreak in Rwanda serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and caution when travelling to areas affected by infectious diseases. It underlines the importance of following health guidelines and taking necessary precautions to protect oneself and others from the spread of potentially deadly viruses.