Marburg Vaccines Shipment to Rwanda Amid Ongoing Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak
Marburg Vaccines Shipment Details
The United States has completed its first shipment of Marburg vaccines and therapeutic treatments to Rwanda as of October 4. U.S. CDC Country Director Thierry Roels confirmed that further vaccine shipments may occur as the country grapples with its first outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever, which has led to 36 reported cases and 11 fatalities since late September.
Collaborative Efforts and Clinical Trials
Authorities are collaborating with Rwanda's Ministry of Health and other global partners to initiate clinical trials for investigational treatments. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana stated that trials would commence soon, with the Sabin Vaccine Institute delivering around 700 vaccine doses for frontline health workers. Four vaccine candidates are under consideration, yet only the Sabin Vaccine Institute's candidate has shown promise in early human trials.
International Assistance
In addition, Gilead Sciences is donating approximately 5,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir to Rwanda for emergency use, enhancing the response against this deadly disease.
Understanding Marburg Symptoms
Symptoms of Marburg virus infection include high fever, intense headaches, and severe malaise, typically appearing within seven days post-infection, followed by gastrointestinal distress. The virus primarily spreads via contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals and can be transmitted by fruit bats.
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