Rwanda’s Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has announced the suspension of school visits nationwide in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly Marburg virus. The decision follows reports of 10 deaths and 19 critically ill patients due to the outbreak.
In a statement released on October 2, MINEDUC emphasized that necessary educational materials will be provided through alternative technological means. The ministry also urged educators to immediately seek medical attention for any student exhibiting symptoms of the virus, such as fever, to prevent further spread.
According to the Ministry of Health, the current death toll stands at 10, with 29 confirmed cases under treatment. Efforts are underway to trace and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to infected patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda as a “high risk” situation. In response, local authorities have restricted the size of funerals and limited hospital visits to minimize transmission.
Contact tracing has identified approximately 300 people who had direct contact with infected individuals, including one person who traveled to Belgium. Fortunately, Belgian health authorities have cleared the traveler of the virus.
Marburg cases have been reported in nearly 30 districts across Rwanda, and WHO is collaborating with neighboring countries—Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—to prevent cross-border transmission.
WHO’s risk assessment ranks the outbreak as “very high” at the national level, “high” regionally, and “low” globally.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health continues to stress the importance of personal hygiene and advises citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms. Funeral gatherings remain limited, and the identification of deceased patients is critical to preventing further community transmission.
