What’s Happening in Infectious Disease?

Lately we’ve seen reports of increasing concern surrounding the Marburg virus – a highly virulent disease in the same family as the Ebola virus. The latest outbreak was first detected in Rwanda in September 2024 and has killed at least 12 people – most of which are healthcare workers. With a fatality rate of up to 88 percent, Rwanda has begun vaccine trials in an attempt to curb the spread and effects of this fatal infectious disease.

As it stands, Marburg is not thought to be a risk to public health. However, some Europeans worry the disease has spread to Germany as passengers were evacuated from a train after a man with recent travel to Rwanda developed flu-like symptoms. Around 300 people are being monitored after contact with confirmed infected patients – one of whom traveled from Rwanda to Belgium after the 21-day monitoring period.

Authorities are slow to release data about Marburg cases and how they’re connected, but you can be sure that we’ll continue to monitor the situation and report on any updates as and when they become available.