CDC to Implement Screening for Travelers from Rwanda Amid Marburg Virus Outbreak
U.S. health officials will begin screening incoming travelers from Rwanda for Marburg virus starting October 14, 2024, following a reported outbreak in the country. The Marburg virus is highly contagious, causes hemorrhagic fever, and currently lacks treatment or a vaccine. There have been 56 confirmed cases and 12 deaths in Rwanda, while no cases have been reported in the U.S. Travelers are advised to monitor symptoms for 21 days post-exposure and avoid unnecessary travel to Rwanda.
In response to the emerging health crisis caused by the Marburg virus in Rwanda, U.S. health authorities have announced a series of measures aimed at safeguarding public health. Beginning the week of October 14, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement screening protocols for all travelers arriving in the United States from Rwanda. This measure is designed to mitigate the potential importation of the Marburg cases and limit any subsequent spread within the U.S. community. As confirmed by the Rwandan Ministry of Health, there have been 56 reported cases of Marburg, with 12 fatalities and 36 individuals currently receiving treatment. Fortunately, there have been no reported cases of this virus within the United States to date. Travelers from Rwanda will now be directed to one of three designated airports: Chicago O’Hare, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport, where they will undergo temperature checks and evaluations for symptoms commonly associated with the virus, such as sore throat, vomiting, or rashes. Symptoms may manifest from two to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Marburg virus is classified as a viral hemorrhagic fever, causing severe internal bleeding comparable to Ebola. Transmission occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids, and there currently exists no approved treatment or vaccine for it. The death rate linked to the Marburg virus could reach as high as 88%, according to estimates from the World Health Organization. The CDC has indicated that although the likelihood of widespread transmission within the United States remains low, precautions are being amplified, including a level 3 travel health notice that discourages unnecessary travel to Rwanda. Individuals who must navigate the outbreak zone are advised to monitor their health for 21 days following potential exposure and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or unexplained bleeding.
The Marburg virus disease is caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. Marburg virus infections are rare but have a high fatality rate. The recent outbreak in Rwanda has warranted heightened surveillance and response measures due to the disease’s serious implications for public health. Symptoms of Marburg include severe headache, high fever, and gastrointestinal distress, which can escalate to hemorrhagic symptoms in severe cases. As a precautionary response, health authorities worldwide are ramping up entry screening and providing guidelines to health care professionals as well as to the public regarding travel to affected regions.
In summary, the CDC’s initiative to screen travelers from Rwanda represents a proactive approach to combat the potential spread of the Marburg virus within the United States. By implementing health screenings at key entry points and issuing travel advisories, health officials aim to protect the public from the outbreak while providing critical information and guidelines for travelers. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential in managing the risks associated with this highly infectious virus.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
