Marburg virus travel advice in full as WHO issues warning

The virus was first confirmed in Rwanda in September, with 36 cases reported so far, according government health ministry data.

The World Health Organization advised against imposing travel restrictions to Rwanda on 30 September. (Getty)
The World Health Organization advised against imposing travel restrictions to Rwanda on 30 September. (Getty)

A deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus in Rwanda has now killed 11 people, as efforts ramp up to stop it spreading.

The virus was first confirmed in the African nation in September, with 36 cases reported so far, according government health ministry data. Most of those who have died were healthcare workers in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

Another 410 people are believed to have made contact with infected people, Rwanda’s assistant health minister Yvan Butera said.

Marburg case fatality rates can be up to 88%, with past outbreaks varying from 24% to 88% depending on virus strain and case management, according to the WHO. There is currently no proven treatment available but treatments including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are being explored.

Marburg is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), similar to Ebola, and can be transmitted through contact with infected individuals.

In an update on 30 September, WHO warned the outbreak risked spreading to neighbouring countries, since cases have been reported in districts located at the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.

It added: "Further risk of international spread is also high as confirmed cases have been reported in the capital city with an international airport." It confirmed that one contact is known to have travelled to Belgium.

WHO said the risk the outbreak was was very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level.

The WHO has advised against any travel restrictions with Rwanda. They have also advised against trade restrictions.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has set their travel notice to level two – recommending practicing enhanced precautions if travelling to Rwanda. It advises anyone travelling there to get travel insurance and avoid contact with sick people who have symptoms of Marburg. They also recommend avoiding healthcare facilities in outbreak areas if seeking non-urgent medical care.

When leaving areas hit by Marburg, the CDC recommends keeping an eye on potential symptoms – fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, rash, chest pain, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising – for 21 days after leaving.

Cityscape of downtown Kigali, the growing capital city of Rwanda.
Travellers are urged to take precautions if travelling to Rwanda. (Getty)

Anyone with symptoms in that time should isolate immediately and seek medical care.

The UK Foreign Office has not yet advised against travel to Rwanda. However, it does mention the outbreak on its website, saying that people should check with local authorities before travelling, while also urging organisations undertaking business in areas affected by Marburg to register with the UKHSA returning workers scheme.

This scheme is designed to protect and monitor the health of those who have travelled to areas affected by an outbreak of Marburg or ebola by establishing screening arrangements such as advance notice of arrival back to the UK.

Yahoo News UK has contacted the Foreign Office for an update.

Editor's note: This article was amended on 3 October after incorrectly stating that the WHO had advised against travel to Rwanda.