KIGALI, Rwanda
The United States has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to reconsider trips to Rwanda due to an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus.
This warning comes after the
East African nation reported 12 fatalities, primarily among health workers
since the outbreak was declared late last month.
The US State Department has
raised the travel advisory to Level 3, which recommends that Americans
"reconsider travel to Rwanda." This advisory is just one level below
the highest, Level 4, which advises against travel altogether.
As of now, 41 confirmed cases
of the Marburg virus have been reported by the Rwandan health ministry. In
response, the Rwanda Development Board announced enhanced travel measures,
including temperature checks, passenger questionnaires, and hand-sanitizing
stations at departure points. Travelers are advised to self-monitor for
symptoms such as fever.
Marburg virus, which is
transmitted from fruit bats, belongs to the filovirus family, which also
includes Ebola. To combat the outbreak, Rwanda has initiated a vaccination
campaign utilizing 700 trial vaccines.
However, there are currently
no officially approved vaccines or antiviral treatments available. Potential
therapies, including blood products and immune therapies, are under evaluation.
For ongoing updates on the
situation in Rwanda, travellers are encouraged to stay informed through
official health channels and government advisories.
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