Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda Traced to Fruit Bats

Rwandan health officials identify fruit bats as the source of the Marburg virus transmission to humans, linked to a mining area.

Overview

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda began around September 27, 2024, with fruit bats identified as the transmission vector to humans.
Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsazimina confirmed the zoonotic origin of the outbreak during a press conference in Kigali.
The initial case was traced back to a cave inhabited by fruit bats near a mining site, leading to contact with workers.
As of October 26, 2024, 65 people have been infected, resulting in 15 deaths, with three patients still under treatment.
The virus, named after the German city of Marburg, is known for causing severe symptoms like high fever, muscle pain, and hemorrhagic manifestations.