EAC urges swift action against the Marburg virus threat

TANZANIA—The Secretariat of the East African Community (EAC) has issued an urgent request for a coordinated regional response to Rwanda’s Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) epidemic.

The outbreak poses a severe danger to regional health security, and all EAC Partner States must take immediate steps to avoid further spread.

Rwanda reported an MVD outbreak on September 27, 2024, and by September 30, there were 29 confirmed cases and ten fatalities.

Healthcare workers have been disproportionately affected, emphasising the need for more protective measures in the healthcare industry.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns about the disease’s potential regional spread due to verified cases in districts near the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Tanzania.

In response to this serious scenario, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General, highlighted the importance of a coordinated regional response, including rapid case identification, isolation, and treatment, improved screening techniques, and public awareness efforts.

Marburg virus is a serious zoonotic disease, similar to Ebola, with a high mortality rate.

It is spread through direct contact with the body fluids of infected people or contaminated surfaces.

There is no specific vaccination or therapy, and supportive care is the major mode of medical intervention.

Tanzania’s earlier experience with a Marburg outbreak in 2023 emphasises the significance of swift contact tracing and community engagement in handling such health emergencies.

The EAC encourages Partner States to share best practices and technical knowledge to improve ongoing response activities.

Rwanda is actively handling the outbreak with international support, but the magnitude of the challenge emphasises the need for regional cooperation.

Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease include high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, lethargy, and gastrointestinal issues.

To mitigate the risk of contracting Marburg, the public is advised to practice proper hand hygiene, avoid contact with fruit bats and their excretions, adhere to safe burial practices, and avoid contact with nonhuman primates in endemic areas.

 Individuals who suspect they may have contracted Marburg should seek medical care immediately and isolate themselves to prevent further transmission.

The EAC Secretariat is actively supporting Partner States’ response and preparedness efforts concerning the ongoing MVD and Mpox outbreaks.

Key intervention areas include developing a pool of Rapidly Deployable Experts (RDE), strengthening risk and crisis communication, establishing WASH facilities in border areas, training border staff and health workers, enhancing laboratory testing capacities, and deploying mobile laboratories.

These efforts position the EAC Secretariat as a vital player in preparedness and response initiatives against current and future health threats.

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