Despite the declaration of the outbreak's end, health officials, including Rwanda's Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nzanzimana, cautioned that risks remain, particularly from bats, and called for continued vigilance.

Rwandan health authorities, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, implemented a comprehensive strategy that included disease surveillance, testing, infection control, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns.

The successful containment of the outbreak demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive, internationally supported health responses to emerging diseases.

The Marburg virus, named after the German town where it was first identified in 1967, is transmitted from fruit bats to humans and spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Rwanda's government declared the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak over on December 20, 2024, after a period of 42 days without new cases following the recovery of the last patient.

The outbreak, which began on September 27, 2024, marked Rwanda's first experience with Marburg Virus Disease, resulting in 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths, with nearly 80% of cases occurring among health workers.

A swift response was initiated, incorporating strict infection control measures, aggressive supportive care, and the use of investigational therapeutics and vaccines.

More than 1,700 individuals, primarily healthcare workers at high risk, were vaccinated within six weeks of the outbreak's onset.

Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda, praised the strong response from the Rwandan government and emphasized the importance of leadership and a robust health system in managing public health emergencies.

The initial transmission of the virus was linked to fruit bats infecting miners near a local mining area, highlighting the zoonotic nature of the disease.

Historically, Marburg outbreaks have occurred in various African countries, and the virus is known for its high fatality rate, which can reach up to 88% without treatment.

Currently, there is no authorized vaccine or treatment for Marburg, although Rwanda received hundreds of doses of a trial vaccine in October 2024.