By Ebi Kesiena
Rwanda poses an almost zero risk of exporting the Marburg virus outbreak, according to Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya.
Dr. Kaseya noted this while addressing a press briefing as he praised Rwanda’s robust preventive measures, stating, “there is 95% certainty that Rwanda will not spread the disease outside its borders”.
Rwanda has reported 58 confirmed cases and 13 fatalities, a 22% fatality rate.
Dr. Kaseya also commended the country’s coordinated response, involving health facilities, police, and transport officials, for its efficient contact tracing and daily monitoring.
Despite these efforts, the US has issued a level 3 travel notice, urging travelers to reconsider nonessential visits to Rwanda.
Kaseya criticized the decision, calling it “unfair and unacceptable” given Rwanda’s transparent handling of the outbreak and its rapid deployment of vaccines and treatment.
Rwanda recently received 700 trial doses of a Marburg vaccine from the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute, bolstering its fight against the virus. Kaseya expressed optimism that the country will soon overcome the outbreak.