The State Department issued a travel advisory urging U.S. citizens to “reconsider” any plans to visit the country in light of this virus outbreak. The travel warning has been elevated from Category 2 to Category 3 on a scale of 4, which signifies “do not travel.”
The Marburg virus is known to cause hemorrhagic fever similar to that caused by Ebola. Since the first infections were reported on September 28, there have been 12 fatalities, primarily among healthcare workers.
With a mortality rate that can reach as high as 88%, this hazardous virus results in severe fever often accompanied by bleeding affecting multiple organs.
According to the Rwandan Ministry of Health, approximately 41 cases of infection have been documented.
The Marburg virus is part of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus, known for causing several deadly outbreaks in Africa.
