CDC Africa declares Marburg Virus no longer a threat in Rwanda

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have urged countries worldwide not to impose travel restrictions on individuals traveling from Africa amid outbreaks of the Marburg virus and monkeypox on the continent.

In a statement issued from its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa CDC called on all countries to uphold the 2005 International Health Regulations, which promote the free movement of people and goods. These regulations allow for travel restrictions only in cases where there is clear and substantial evidence to justify them.

Africa CDC emphasized that historical evidence shows that closing borders to travelers and trade has not been effective in controlling outbreaks. Instead, such actions delay the delivery of aid, create public fear, cause significant economic challenges, exacerbate inequalities, and erode trust between wealthy and developing nations. This was clearly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of restricting movement, Africa CDC and WHO recommend that governments remain vigilant, focus on early detection, ensure proper response measures are in place during outbreaks, vaccinate at-risk populations, and continue raising public awareness about disease prevention.

In a virtual press conference with international media, Africa CDC Director Dr. Jean Kaseya, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, explained why Rwanda should not face travel restrictions. He stated, "Imposing travel bans on Rwanda would be unjustified, especially since the country is taking extraordinary measures beyond what the rest of the world is doing. Just this Wednesday, I received a very encouraging report showing no new infections or deaths. This indicates that Rwanda is on track to fully defeat the outbreak in the very near future."

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, who was also part of the press conference, confirmed that the Marburg virus had infected 58 people, 13 of whom had died. Meanwhile, 12 others had fully recovered, and vaccinations began last weekend.

In a separate statement, WHO noted that Rwanda’s Marburg outbreak, which started on September 27, 2024, was the third deadliest Marburg outbreak in history, following the first known case of the virus in Germany in 1967.

WHO praised the Rwandan government for implementing effective measures, including widespread testing, quarantining the infected, providing appropriate treatment, and tracing contacts to break the transmission chain early. These actions have proven successful, as there is currently no evidence that the virus is spreading within the country.

However, despite this progress, WHO expressed concern that some countries have imposed restrictions on trade and travel to and from Rwanda. "Given the current situation, we strongly advise all countries to refrain from enforcing such measures," the statement read.

Both WHO and Africa CDC urged countries to adhere to the 2005 International Health Regulations, which protect the free movement of people and goods while ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is shared with travelers regarding the Marburg virus outbreak.

WHO and Africa CDC have also deployed experts and resources to affected countries, including diagnostic tools, prevention measures, and treatment supplies for those infected.

Among the countries that have imposed restrictions on Rwanda is the United States, which has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel. Starting on October 14, travelers from Rwanda will only be allowed to enter the U.S. through three designated airports: Chicago O’Hare, New York’s JFK, and Washington Dulles, where they will undergo screening before being granted entry.