In the aftermath of Rwanda’s announcement of a Marburg virus disease outbreak on September 27th, the Minister of Health has reassured the public that the situation is being effectively managed.

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In a briefing with diplomats and development partners, Minister Nsanzimana outlined the vaccination efforts aimed at combating the virus.

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Rwanda recently acquired 700 doses of an experimental vaccine, which has been administered to healthcare workers and individuals who have had contact with confirmed cases.

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"We had been communicated that the vaccines are available. I think we took it as a great opportunity to have it and to boost our immune system," said Augustin Sendegeya, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital.

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Although the vaccine is still under trial, Sendegeya said he believes it is safe and could be invaluable for those who are at risk of becoming infected.

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Some doctors have also insisted that they have seen no major side effects from the vaccine. "I don't even expect much because I saw people who took the vaccine yesterday and they did not have many symptoms," said Blaise Dushimiyimana, a Gynecologist at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali.

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To date, over 200 individuals in the country have received the vaccine.

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Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness in humans. Since the outbreak was declared, Rwanda has reported 13 fatalities linked to the virus.

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