Summary:
- Rwandan health authorities have reported 36 cases of Marburg virus infections as of today.
KABALE: Authorities in Kabale and Kisoro Districts are on high alert following the outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda, which has claimed at least 11 lives.
As of Wednesday, Rwandan health authorities had confirmed 36 cases of Marburg virus infections, with 25 individual in isolations and 11 deaths. Given the frequent cross-border movement between Rwanda and these districts, there is a significant risk of the virus spreading into Uganda.
Dr. Gilbert Arianaitwe Mateeka, Kabale District Health Officer, announced that screening at the Katuna border has been intensified, with a focus on detecting fevers among travelers. He emphasized the importance of observing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent infection.
Mateeka added that the District Task Force has ramped up coordination efforts, holding regular meetings to manage screenings. Community awareness campaigns, sensitization efforts, and active surveillance have also commenced across health facilities in the district.
“We are now working closely with Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to ensure proper case management in the event of any suspected cases since the area is at high risk,” Mateeka said.
CUE IN DR. ARIANAITWE……ON MEASURES……RR/ENG//
In Kisoro District, Health Officer Dr. Steven Nsabiyunva expressed concern that the Marburg virus threat comes at a time when the district is already battling the spread of Mpox from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite limited resources, Nsabiyunva assured the public that his team is committed to preventing the spread of both diseases.
He highlighted the need for immediate screening measures at the Cyanika border, which currently lacks sufficient resources for proper monitoring.
“We need urgent attention at the Uganda-Rwanda border at Cyanika by setting up a screening point, but we are facing resource constraints,” Nsabiyunva stated.
CUE IN DR. NSABIYUNVA……ON SUPPORT…..ENG//
Valentino Mubangizi, Kisoro District’s Acting Health Educator, warned that the uncontrolled daily movement of Rwandans within areas like Murora and Chahafi poses a significant risk. He called for immediate risk communication efforts to raise vigilance in these vulnerable areas.
CUE IN MUBANGIZI… ON RISK COMMUNICATION…….ENG//
However Dr. Allan Muruta, Commissioner of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the ministry is mobilizing international financial support to bolster prevention and control measures.
CUE IN DR. MURUTA… ON SURVEILLANCE…..ENG//
