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Press Release
2 October 2024
World Sexual Health Day - Actions needed to limit the spread of sexually transmitted infections in Europe
On 2 October 2024, Germany reported that two travellers returning from Rwanda were isolated in Hamburg due to a history of exposure in a medical facility in Rwanda where Marburg virus disease patients were being treated. ECDC has been in close contact with German public health authorities. Negative test results were reported on 3 October 2024
On 27 September 2024, the Ministry of Health of Rwanda reported the first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the country. As of 2 October 2024, a total of 36 cases, including 11 deaths, have been reported in the county. Epidemiological investigations, including contact tracing, strengthening of infection prevention and control protocols and other measures are being implemented by the government of Rwanda to control the outbreak. Among the investigated contacts in Rwanda, one that had travelled to Belgium has completed the monitoring period (21 days) and is not considered a public health risk.
Since person-to-person transmission requires contact with the bodily fluids of a symptomatic case, the likelihood of exposure and infection by Marburg virus for EU/EEA citizens travelling or residing in the affected areas in Rwanda is currently considered low. Based on the available information, the likelihood of exposure to MVD in a healthcare setting is moderate. In the event of an importation of an MVD case to the EU/EEA, the likelihood of further transmission is considered to be very low, if appropriate measures are applied.
Advice to travellers
Travellers to Rwanda should be made aware of the ongoing outbreak in Rwanda and the affected areas and follow the advice of the local health authorities. They should be advised to:
- Avoid contact with anyone exhibiting MVD symptoms (like fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding) or contact with materials and surfaces contaminated by the bodily fluids of infected persons. This includes avoiding contact with dead bodies of infected persons and the burial process.
- Avoid visiting healthcare facilities in the MVD-affected areas for nonurgent medical care or non-medical reasons.
- Avoid habitats that may be populated by bats, such as caves or mines, as well as any form of close contact with wild animals, including monkeys, forest antelopes, rodents, and bats, both alive and dead, and manipulation or consumption of any type of bushmeat.
Travellers returning from Rwanda to the EU/EEA should be advised to seek prompt medical care if they develop MVD-compatible symptoms and mention their travel history, as well as possible exposure history and close contacts.
ECDC is in contact with WHO EURO and Africa CDC to acquire more information and is developing guidance for the EU public health authorities.
More information about Marburg Virus
Marburg virus is present in certain animal species in several sub-Saharan countries. Transmission from animals to humans is rare; however, such events may initiate outbreaks due to subsequent human-to-human transmissions.
MVD is not an airborne disease and is not considered contagious before symptoms appear. Direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person or animal is the most frequent route of transmission. Indirect contact with surfaces and materials like clothing, bedding and medical equipment contaminated with infected blood or body fluids may also result in transmission of the virus. Therefore, if proper infection prevention and control precautions are strictly followed, the likelihood of infection is regarded as very low.
The incubation period of MVD is usually five to ten days. The onset of MVD is usually abrupt, with non-specific, flu-like symptoms such as a high fever, severe headache, chills and malaise. Rapid worsening occurs within 2–5 days for more than half of patients, marked by gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia, abdominal discomfort, severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, a rash may develop, along with bleeding from various body areas.
Contact:
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European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) |
Gustav III:s boulevard 40, 169 73 Solna, Sweden |
Phone +46 (0)8 58 60 16 78 |
www.ecdc.europa.eu |
Source: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/ecdc-advice-marburg-virus-disease
"Reproduced with permission - European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)"
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
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