In the aftermath of Rwanda’s announcement of a Marburg virus disease outbreak on September 27th, the Minister of Health has reassured the public that the situation is being effectively managed.
In a briefing with diplomats and development partners, Minister Nsanzimana outlined the vaccination efforts aimed at combating the virus.
Rwanda recently acquired 700 doses of an experimental vaccine, which has been administered to healthcare workers and individuals who have had contact with confirmed cases.
“We had been communicated that the vaccines are available. I think we took it as a great opportunity to have it and to boost our immune system,” said Augustin Sendegeya, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital.
Although the vaccine is still under trial, Sendegeya said he believes it is safe and could be invaluable for those who are at risk of becoming infected.
Some doctors have also insisted that they have seen no major side effects from the vaccine. “I don’t even expect much because I saw people who took the vaccine yesterday and they did not have many symptoms,” said Blaise Dushimiyimana, a Gynecologist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali.
To date, over 200 individuals in the country have received the vaccine.
Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness in humans. Since the outbreak was declared, Rwanda has reported 13 fatalities linked to the virus.