U.S. Sends Vaccines to Rwanda As Deadly Marburg Virus Claims 11 Lives
The United States has swiftly responded to Rwanda’s escalating Marburg virus outbreak by delivering a shipment of vaccine doses and therapeutic drugs, according to Thierry Roels, U.S. CDC Country Director in Rwanda.
The delivery, completed on October 4, marks a crucial step in Rwanda’s battle against the deadly viral hemorrhagic fever, which has claimed 11 lives out of the 36 confirmed cases since its detection in late September.
The U.S. is collaborating closely with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and international health organizations to initiate clinical trials for investigational countermeasures. Roels mentioned that additional vaccine shipments may follow to support these trials, though the exact number of doses in the initial shipment remains undisclosed.
Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanziman, confirmed the start of clinical trials on Thursday. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated four vaccine candidates for the Marburg virus, but only one—developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute—has shown promising results from early-stage human trials.
The Institute has delivered approximately 700 doses to Rwanda, with more vaccines to be sent pending approval from both the Rwandan government and the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
In addition, Gilead Sciences has committed to donating 5,000 vials of remdesivir, an antiviral drug, to Rwanda Medical Supply for emergency use.
With Marburg’s fatality rate reaching up to 88%, the virus, which spreads through human contact with bodily fluids and is transmitted from fruit bats, presents a significant public health threat. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, making quick containment and treatment critical.
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U.S. Sends Vaccines to Rwanda As Deadly Marburg Virus Claims 11 Lives
