The outbreak has predominantly affected healthcare workers, underscoring the challenges of infection control in low-resource settings.

Health Minister Nsanzimana stated that efforts are being intensified for contact tracing and testing, as the exact source of the outbreak remains undetermined.

A potential outbreak of the Marburg virus in Germany was initiated by a medical student who developed flu-like symptoms after treating infected patients in Rwanda.

The Marburg virus, which has a death rate as high as 88% and no available vaccine or treatment, spreads through close contact and contaminated surfaces.

Transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, making it easier to implement control measures since it is not airborne.

Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana has urged the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as fever or diarrhea.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the outbreak's source, with enhanced prevention measures being implemented across healthcare facilities.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sending experts to assist with testing and contact-tracing efforts in Rwanda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with Rwandan authorities to bolster public health responses and has been closely monitoring the situation.

The medical student is currently under observation in Hamburg's University Medical Center, where he will be monitored for up to 21 days, although he exhibited no symptoms during his flight.

As of now, 26 cases have been confirmed, with 18 patients in intensive care and eight reported deaths, highlighting the outbreak's severity.

The incubation period for the Marburg virus averages one week but can extend from two to 21 days, necessitating rapid contact tracing and public health measures.