A deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus in Rwanda has now killed 11 people, as efforts ramp up to stop it spreading.
The virus was first confirmed in the African nation in September, with 36 cases reported so far, according government health ministry data. Most of those who have died were healthcare workers in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
Another 410 people are believed to have made contact with infected people, Rwanda’s assistant health minister Yvan Butera said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has now advised against travel to Rwanda as a result of the outbreak.
Marburg case fatality rates can be up to 88%, with past outbreaks varying from 24% to 88% depending on virus strain and case management, according to the WHO. There is currently no proven treatment available but treatments including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are being explored.
It is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), similar to Ebola, and can be transmitted through contact with infected individuals.
What is the Marburg virus travel advice?
The WHO has advised against any travel with Rwanda as a result of the outbreak. They have also advised against trade restrictions.
However, this is merely a recommendation and there is currently no outright travel ban with Rwanda.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has set their travel notice to level two – recommending practicing enhanced precautions if travelling to Rwanda. It advises anyone travelling there to get travel insurance and avoid contact with sick people who have symptoms of Marburg. They also recommend avoiding healthcare facilities in outbreak areas if seeking non-urgent medical care.
When leaving areas hit by Marburg, the CDC recommends keeping an eye on potential symptoms – fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, rash, chest pain, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising – for 21 days after leaving.
Anyone with symptoms in that time should isolate immediately and seek medical care.
The UK Foreign Office has not yet advised against travel to Rwanda. However, it does mention the outbreak on its website, saying that people should check with local authorities before travelling, while also urgin organisations undertaking business in areas affected by Marburg to register with the UKHSA returning workers scheme.
This scheme is designed to protect and monitor the health of those who have travelled to areas affected by an outbreak of Marburg or ebola by establishing screening arrangements such as advance notice of arrival back to the UK.
Yahoo News UK has contacted the Foreign Office for an update.