The Federal Government has activated health declaration forms for inbound travelers, particularly from regions impacted by the recent outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). This announcement was made by the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
The outbreak in Rwanda, the country’s first, was officially declared by the Rwanda Ministry of Health on September 27, 2024. MVD, previously known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness in humans, with an average case fatality rate of around 50%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has indicated that historical case fatality rates in previous outbreaks have varied between 24% and 88%.
The WHO has classified the current outbreak as a Grade 3 emergency, the highest level under its Emergency Response Framework. A surge team from WHO has been deployed to support the response efforts, focusing on key areas such as epidemiology, health operations, case management, health logistics, vaccine research, partner coordination, and infection prevention and control.
Several outbreaks of MVD have been reported in countries neighboring Rwanda, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. The latest outbreaks occurred in Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania from February to June 2023, particularly in the Kagera region, which shares a border with Rwanda. Other African nations that have reported MVD outbreaks include Angola, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, and South Africa.
Dr. Idris provided an update on the situation, stating that the NCDC is closely monitoring the outbreak in Rwanda. As of October 15, 2024, there have been 62 confirmed cases, resulting in 15 fatalities. He noted the virus’s high infectiousness and its similarity to Ebola viral disease.
“Following our expert risk assessment, we recognize the potential for localized transmission, especially among populations with significant bat presence, particularly where bats are consumed as delicacies. This awareness is critical given the volume of travel between Nigeria and Rwanda,” he explained.
While there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg, the NCDC is prepared to respond effectively. Dr. Idris emphasized the agency’s collaborative efforts with various ministries, departments, and agencies to activate health declaration forms for travelers arriving from affected areas. They are also ready to isolate suspected cases immediately upon detection.
Additionally, the NCDC has identified isolation centers and is in the process of stockpiling necessary medical supplies to address potential cases.
Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, particularly those traveling to areas with reported Marburg cases. He advised avoiding contact with wild animals, especially fruit bats, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, or unexplained bleeding arise.
In addressing other health initiatives, Dr. Idris highlighted the agency’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with stakeholders, including the National Council on Climate Change and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, to enhance climate-informed decision-making capabilities.
