Rwanda - Recent

The Rwandan Ministry of Health has reported that the Marburg epidemic is waning as there are more recoveries than victims of the Marburg virus disease (MVD), while urging vigilance as the disease is far from being eradicated.

Since September 27, Rwanda has been confronted with the Marburg virus. Initially, the virus was detected in the two largest hospitals in the capital Kigali, with victims mainly among medical staff.

Offering reassurance, the Minister of Health highlighted that the absence of stricter measures is attributed to the successful containment of the virus from spreading beyond healthcare settings.

Since the virus was first detected in Rwanda, the country has received support from the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Brian Chirombo, the WHO representative in Rwanda, emphasized that travel and trade restrictions hold little significance in the current scenario.

Since the outbreak of MVD in Rwanda on September 27, 62 people have been infected, 15 of them have died. The Ministry of Health indicates that Rwanda has not yet managed to identify the origin of the Marburg virus, specifying that it is focusing its efforts on limiting the virus's spread.

Shotlist:
Rwanda - Recent:
1. Doctor treating patient;
2. Resident having her body temperature checked;
3. Medical worker, residents waiting outside clinic;
4. Medical worker, patients in a hospital;
Kigali, Rwanda - Oct 13, 2024
5. Sign of Rwandan Ministry of Health;
6. SOUNDBITE (French) Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwandan Minister of Health:
"Where we had the first cases, it was health workers, doctors, but not all the staff, it was specific departments, and we saw a doctor and a colleague who worked very closely with him, and that's what we know so far. That's why we say there is no community transmission.";
7. Anti-virus sign;
8. Signboard showing symptoms, prevention measures of Marburg virus;
9. SOUNDBITE (English, dubbed with French) Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda (partially overlaid with shot 10):
"WHO advises against travel or trade restrictions with Rwanda, especially in the context of the ongoing Marburg epidemic. At present, these restrictions are ineffective and unnecessary to control the situation. They will not contain the risks of epidemic spread. Indeed, the measures already taken by the government and other partners to contain the outbreak are sufficient.";
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Rwanda - Recent
10. Various of people washing hands;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
11. Pedestrians.

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