Although Marburg vaccines have not been approved, Rwanda has begun trials with supplies sent by the Sabin Institute, an American nonprofit.
It has vaccinated 200 people, prioritizing healthcare workers and contacts of confirmed cases, with plans to expand vaccinations as new doses become available.
The African CDC also provided 5,000 Marburg test kits to Rwanda and neighboring countries to strengthen cross-border surveillance.
Maria has not yet been offered a vaccine, but she remains determined to continue working.
“I’m a nurse, I’m on the front line, it’s something you have to deal with, but the fear is constant,” she said.
Concerns over the spread of the virus in Europe have prompted German authorities to close part of Hamburg’s central train station a few days ago after a medical student and his companion fell ill following a visit to Rwanda. Both eventually tested negative for the Marburg virus.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the second-ever travel advisory for Rwanda, advising people to avoid non-essential travel to Rwanda due to the outbreak.
Rwanda’s neighbors Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have had cases of Marburg in the past, have stepped up border surveillance to prevent the spread.
While Burundi went further by setting up an emergency and isolation center in readiness for the outbreak.
Africa’s CDC said it is improving training on public health emergencies to help staff deal more effectively with any Marburg outbreaks.
Rwandan authorities have taken steps to limit funerals for victims of the virus to 50 participants to help stop the spread of the disease.
In addition, they have implemented passenger questionnaires and hand sanitizing stations at departure points, as well as temperature checks at entry and exit points across the country.
