History of Rwanda Marburg virus disease outbreak in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 9, 2024

Rwanda experienced its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in September 2024, quickly becoming one of the largest recorded outbreaks. Originating from an unknown source, the virus has spread to seven districts and primarily affected healthcare professionals, particularly those in intensive care units. As of October 7, 2024, 56 cases were confirmed from over 2300 tests, resulting in 12 fatalities. The outbreak has prompted significant concern due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate.

1967: Marburg virus first discovered

The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 following outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany. These outbreaks were linked to laboratory work involving African green monkeys from Uganda.

2023: Geographical spread of the outbreak

By October 3, 2023, the MVD outbreak in Rwanda had spread to seven of the country's 30 districts. Kigali Province was particularly affected, with Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge districts reporting the highest number of cases. Other affected districts included Nyagatare and Gatsibo in the Northeast (bordering Tanzania, which experienced an outbreak in 2023), Rubavu in the Northwest (bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo), and Kamonyi, adjacent to Kigali.

September 2024: First-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak in Rwanda

In September 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of the first Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda. The outbreak was significant as one of the largest ever recorded.

September 2024: U.S. Embassy issues alert

On September 29, 2024, the U.S. embassy in Rwanda issued an alert to citizens regarding the MVD outbreak, advising caution and providing information on the virus and its transmission.

September 2024: Early days of the outbreak

Shortly after the WHO was informed, by September 29, 2024, there were already 26 confirmed cases of MVD in Rwanda, with eight fatalities. Healthcare workers were disproportionately affected.

October 2024: Outbreak updates and statistics

By October 2024, the MVD outbreak in Rwanda had resulted in 56 confirmed cases and 12 deaths. The majority of those infected were healthcare professionals, particularly those working in intensive care units. The outbreak spread across seven districts, with three in Kigali Province reporting the highest numbers.

October 2024: Rising death toll and cases among healthcare workers

By October 3, 2024, the number of confirmed MVD cases in Rwanda rose to 36, with 11 deaths. The majority of those infected were healthcare workers, particularly those working in intensive care units, raising concerns about potential for further spread within healthcare settings.

October 2024: Arrival of trial vaccines

On October 6, 2024, Rwandan Health Minister Nsanzimana Sabin confirmed the arrival of approximately 700 doses of a trial Marburg virus vaccine. The vaccines, provided by the Sabin Vaccine Institute with support from the U.S. government and international partners, were prioritized for healthcare workers, frontline responders, and individuals who had come into contact with confirmed MVD cases.

October 2024: Continued rise in cases and fatalities

The MVD outbreak in Rwanda continued to escalate, with 49 confirmed cases and 12 deaths reported by October 6, 2024. By October 7, 2024, the number of cases had risen further to 56.