Marburg virus

Last changed: 14 October 2024
Micrograph of the Marburg virus

There is an outbreak of Marburg virus infection in Rwanda, which can cause haemorrhagic fever with high mortality. Any planned exchanges/travel to Rwanda should be postponed until the epidemiological situation in the country is clarified.

On October 4, the Swedish government decided to classify the Marburg disease as a public health threat. The decision was made due to the ongoing outbreak of the disease in Rwanda. The Ministry of Health in Rwanda is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations to manage the outbreak.

The Marburg virus is an RNA virus that belongs to the Filoviridae virus family. It spreads through bodily fluids and can cause hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for the disease.

WHO assesses the global risk of Marburg spread as low, but the risk is considered high in the African region and very high in Rwanda. The Swedish Public Health Agency (Folkhälsomyndigheten, FHM) estimates that the risk of the virus spreading in Sweden is very low, but isolated cases, such as travelers from affected areas, cannot be ruled out.

Due to the outbreak, any planned exchanges or trips to Rwanda that can be postponed may preferably be delayed until the epidemiological situation in the country becomes clearer. If you must travel to Rwanda, it is important to follow the advice and recommendations provided by the Swedish Public Health Agency. These recommendations can be found on their website.

The Swedish Public Health Agency is monitoring the situation and continuously reviewing risk assessments made by WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). You can find up-to-date information on the Public Health Agency's website.

Facts:

On October 4, the Swedish government decided to classify the Marburg disease as a public health threat. This decision was made to strengthen preparedness and enable enhanced infection control measures if necessary.

The Swedish Public Health Agency (Folkhälsomyndigheten) assesses that the risk of Marburg spreading in Sweden is very low, but isolated cases, such as travelers from affected areas, cannot be ruled out.

Marburg virus is transmitted between humans through infected bodily fluids, such as saliva and blood, which primarily poses a risk to family members and healthcare workers. The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats, but it can also infect monkeys. The virus is transmitted to humans from these bats, for instance, after spending time in caves or mines where the bats live. Consumption of so-called "bush meat," meat from wild animals, is also considered a risk.

If you suspect infection, contact healthcare services via 1177 and inform them of your concerns so that testing and care can be conducted safely.