Rwanda Launches Marburg Vaccine Trial as Death Toll Reaches 12
Rwandan health authorities have begun a crucial vaccine trial to combat the deadly Marburg virus, which has claimed 12 lives since an outbreak was declared on September 27. The U.S.-based Sabin Vaccine Institute has partnered with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre to facilitate the study.
The vaccine trial, outlined by Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, aims to protect those at the highest risk of infection.
“The vaccination is starting, focusing on the most at risk, most exposed,” Dr. Nsanzimana said on Sunday. Priority is being given to healthcare workers in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, and those in direct contact with confirmed cases.
Under the approved protocol, 700 high-risk adults will be vaccinated at six clinical trial sites. This study marks a significant effort to contain the virus as there is currently no authorized vaccine or treatment for Marburg.
The virus, thought to originate in fruit bats, spreads through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, death due to extreme blood loss.
Concerns are mounting in local communities, especially among those in close contact with the public. Emmanuel, a motor taxi operator, expressed his fears: “We are always very close to our clients while working. We managed to avoid COVID-19 with some measures, but I am worried we might be the first ones to be stopped from working.”
Source: Africanews
