Rwanda has announced the commencement of vaccine trials for the deadly Marburg virus, which has claimed at least 12 lives in the country, predominantly among health workers.

The Marburg virus, known for its high fatality rate, has affected 46 individuals in Rwanda, marking the first instance of the virus being detected in the nation.

The Rwandan government has received 700 doses of the vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a US-based non-profit organization. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana indicated that the initial recipients will include healthcare workers and those who have been in contact with Marburg patients, as they are considered most at risk.

Marburg virus is closely related to Ebola and presents severe symptoms, including fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death due to extensive blood loss. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus has an average fatality rate of about 50%, with previous outbreaks showing mortality rates between 24% and 88%.

Minister Nsanzimana reassured the public, stating that safety concerns regarding the vaccine have been addressed, as trials were previously conducted in Kenya and Uganda. Currently, the vaccine trials are limited to adults aged 18 and older, with no plans for pediatric trials at this stage. Authorities are considering acquiring additional vaccine doses as the situation evolves.

In response to the outbreak, Rwandan authorities have implemented measures to restrict funeral sizes for victims to help contain the virus’s spread. Additionally, the government is set to introduce travel restrictions, which will include temperature checks, passenger questionnaires, and hand-sanitizing stations at departure points.

The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans primarily through fruit bats and subsequently through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. The region is on alert, especially following a reported outbreak in neighboring Tanzania earlier this year and a previous case in Uganda in 2017, where three fatalities occurred.