CDC to Screen Travelers from Rwanda for Marburg Virus as Outbreak Intensifies

The CDC will begin screening travelers from Rwanda for the Marburg virus starting October 14, 2024, due to an outbreak that has resulted in 56 confirmed cases and 12 deaths in Rwanda. Passengers will be directed to three airports for health assessments and are advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days. The CDC has issued a travel advisory warning against unnecessary travel to Rwanda, highlighting the importance of public health measures amidst low risk to the general U.S. population.

As health authorities in Rwanda intensively address the Marburg virus outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Monday that all travelers arriving from Rwanda will undergo screening for this often lethal virus. Beginning the week of October 14, U.S. entry protocols will require that individuals who have been in Rwanda over the past 21 days undergo public health entry screening. According to the statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the goal of this measure is to mitigate the risk of Marburg virus cases being imported into the United States, as well as to prevent further transmission within American communities. As of Monday, the Rwandan Ministry of Health has confirmed 56 cases of Marburg, with 36 individuals currently in isolation and receiving treatment, alongside 12 reported fatalities. To facilitate monitoring, travelers from Rwanda will be directed to one of three specific international airports: Chicago O’Hare, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport. Upon arrival, these passengers will engage with CDC officials for temperature assessments and inquiries regarding any symptoms that may include sore throat, vomiting, or rashes, which are associated with the virus. The CDC indicates that symptoms of the Marburg virus can manifest anywhere from two to 21 days following initial exposure. The virus leads to severe hemorrhagic fevers and internal bleeding, presenting characteristics similar to those of Ebola, with transmission occurring via contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood and semen. Given the absence of specific treatments or vaccines for the virus, the fatality rate can reach up to 88%, based on reports from the World Health Organization. Although the immediate threat to the American populace is considered low, it is noteworthy that the CDC has been proactively informing U.S. healthcare providers about the Marburg virus since the previous year. In addition to the proactive screening measures established at U.S. airports, the CDC also issued a Level 3 travel health notice on Monday, advising against all nonessential travel to Rwanda. The advisory further recommends that any individuals compelled to travel to affected areas observe a monitoring period for 21 days and seek immediate medical attention should symptoms arise, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rashes, chest pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unusual bleeding or bruising.

The Marburg virus is a highly infectious pathogen responsible for severe hemorrhagic fever, sharing a greater than 90% genetic similarity to the Ebola virus. It is transmitted via direct contact with body fluids from infected persons or surfaces contaminated with these fluids. Historically, outbreaks of Marburg virus have led to high mortality rates, underscoring the urgency of public health measures in affected regions. The current health crisis in Rwanda represents a critical juncture in combatting the virus, prompting international health bodies such as the CDC to implement screening and advisory protocols to safeguard public health within and beyond the outbreak zone.

In conclusion, the CDC’s decision to implement traveler screenings and issue travel advisories signifies a heightened awareness and response to the serious health threats posed by the Marburg virus in Rwanda. Given the confirmed cases and mortality rate associated with the virus, these measures are integral in preventing potential outbreaks within the United States. The importance of vigilance and public health awareness cannot be overstated, especially in light of evolving infectious diseases.

Original Source: www.usnews.com