Two patients in Rwanda infected with Marburg virus disease have been successfully taken off mechanical ventilation after more than 10 days of intensive care. This marks a significant milestone in the treatment of the virus in Africa, as it is the first time Marburg patients have been extubated on the continent.

Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana, a Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine and the Head of Health Workforce Development at Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of this development. He described it as a major breakthrough that will shape future clinical guidelines for handling filovirus infections, such as Marburg.

The current Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, which was confirmed on September 27, is being managed positively, according to health authorities. Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana expressed optimism that the country is moving towards reporting no new cases or deaths for several consecutive days. He shared this hopeful outlook during a virtual press briefing on October 17, discussing both the Marburg and Mpox outbreaks in Africa. This briefing was organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Rwanda on October 18 to observe the ongoing response to the Marburg outbreak. During his visit, he pledged the WHO’s continued support for Rwanda’s efforts and the broader response to the outbreak.