Rwanda has reported six deaths and 20 cases of Marburg disease since the outbreak began, according to Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana. Most of the victims are healthcare workers in the intensive care unit, he said in a video shared on X.

“We have 20 confirmed cases, and sadly, six people have died from the virus. Most of the affected are healthcare workers, especially those in the intensive care unit,” Nsanzimana stated.

Marburg disease is a viral illness that can be deadly. Symptoms include severe headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and stomach pain, the health ministry explained.

Health officials and partners are currently tracing people who may have come into contact with infected individuals to control the spread.

Marburg has a very high fatality rate, up to 88%. It comes from the same virus family as Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats. The virus then spreads through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.

In 2023, Tanzania experienced Marburg cases, and Uganda had similar outbreaks in 2017