Tragedy has struck Rwanda, where six people have lost their lives to the highly contagious and deadly Marburg virus.

Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana revealed that most of the victims were healthcare workers in the intensive care unit, highlighting the risks faced by those on the frontlines of combating the outbreak.

Since the outbreak was confirmed on Friday, 20 cases have been identified, sparking concerns about the virus’s rapid spread, BBC reports.

The Marburg virus, known for its severe hemorrhagic fever, has a mortality rate ranging from 24% to 88%. Its transmission is primarily through human-to-human contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or direct contact with infected bats.

The virus’s high contagiousness and severity make swift action crucial to containing the outbreak.

Its symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhoea, vomiting and in severe cases, death from extreme blood loss.

Unfortunately, there’s no specific treatment or vaccine available yet, but researchers are working on developing blood products, drug, and immune therapies.

Prevention measures against the disease include washing hands frequently with clean water and soap or sanitizer, reporting suspected cases immediately and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals.

Rwanda is taking measures to contain the spread, intensifying contact tracing, surveillance, and testing. Neighbouring countries, like Tanzania, have experienced outbreaks in recent years, highlighting the importance of vigilance.

In 2023, Tanzania reported an outbreak while three people died from the disease in 2017.