Americans Urged to Reconsider Travel to Rwanda Amid Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak

The US government on Monday issued a strong travel advisory, urging Americans to reconsider plans to visit Rwanda due to the ongoing outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus. The East African country reported over the weekend that the virus, which is similar to Ebola, has claimed the lives of 12 people, most of them health workers, since the outbreak began late last month.

Marburg virus, known for its high fatality rate of up to 88%, causes severe hemorrhagic fever often leading to bleeding and organ failure. The US State Department has elevated Rwanda’s travel advisory to level three, signaling that Americans “should reconsider travel” to the region.

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The highest travel alert, level four, warns citizens against traveling to a country altogether. Rwanda’s health ministry confirmed 41 cases of Marburg virus, as authorities introduced safety measures such as temperature checks, hand-sanitizing stations, and health questionnaires at travel points to control the spread. Travelers are also advised to monitor for symptoms like fever.

Marburg virus, transmitted from fruit bats to humans, belongs to the same filovirus family as Ebola. Rwanda has started a vaccination trial with 700 doses, although there are currently no officially approved vaccines or antiviral treatments. Researchers are exploring potential treatments, including blood products and immune therapies, as the country continues efforts to contain the outbreak.