By Sintayhu Tamerat
Rwanda has reported over 300 suspected cases and 8 deaths of Ebola-like Marburg virus. The country has also declared an outbreak of the virus.
While WHO reported 26 confirmed cases and 8 deaths, people who were traced to have had contacts with the infected individuals and thus are under follow-up are more than 300.
Most of the cases have been in the capital, Kigali, according to BBC. Residents were told to stay cautious, take necessary preventive measures and report all suspected cases.
Marburg is a highly infectious viral hemorrhagic fever with such major symptoms like fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting and, in some cases, death through extreme blood loss.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies it as family of Ebola virus. It is also known for its severe symptoms and high mortality rate.
The outbreak of the virus was first reported in 1967 in Germany and Serbia. Since then, there has been no treatment or vaccine has been availed. Rwanda limited funeral sizes to 50 people following the outbreak.