CDC to Screen Travelers from Rwanda for Marburg Virus
The CDC will commence screening of all travelers from Rwanda for the Marburg virus starting October 14, following a confirmed outbreak with 56 cases and 12 fatalities. Passengers will undergo checks for symptoms at designated U.S. airports. A level 3 travel health notice has been issued to discourage non-essential travel to Rwanda.
On Monday, October 8, 2024, United States health authorities, particularly the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced that beginning October 14, all travelers arriving from Rwanda will be subjected to screening for the Marburg virus, a deadly pathogen that has been spreading in that country. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated, “This screening aims to reduce the risk of importation of Marburg cases into the United States and the spread within U.S. communities.” Currently, there have been 56 confirmed cases of Marburg in Rwanda, with 36 individuals undergoing isolation and treatment, and a reported 12 fatalities according to local health authorities. Travelers will be directed to Chicago O’Hare, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, or Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia for screening, where they will receive temperature checks and evaluations for additional symptoms such as sore throat, vomiting, or rashes. Symptoms of Marburg virus infection can manifest two to 21 days post-exposure. Notably, while the Marburg virus is similar to Ebola in that it causes hemorrhagic fever and can be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, there exists no specific treatment or vaccine, with a death rate that may reach up to 88% according to the World Health Organization. Although the threat to the American public remains low, the CDC reiterated precautionary measures, including a level 3 travel health notice advising against non-essential travel to Rwanda. Travelers who must visit the area are cautioned to monitor for symptoms for a duration of 21 days and to seek immediate medical attention should they exhibit any signs of illness, including fever, chills, or unexplained bleeding.
The Marburg virus is part of the Filoviridae family, which includes the Ebola virus, both of which are notorious for inducing severe hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality rates. As a zoonotic virus, Marburg is transmitted primarily through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals. The recent outbreak in Rwanda has raised significant alarm within global public health circles, particularly in light of the rapidity with which such pathogens can spread across borders in the age of international travel. The CDC’s proactive measures signal an acute awareness of the potential for imported cases occurring in the United States and a commitment to safeguarding public health, as exemplified by the implementation of systematic screening protocols.
In summary, as the CDC prepares to implement screening measures for travelers from Rwanda due to an outbreak of the Marburg virus, it underscores the importance of vigilance in public health. With confirmed cases and fatalities reported in Rwanda, U.S. health authorities are taking considerable steps to mitigate risks associated with this highly dangerous virus. While the current risk level to the U.S. population remains low, travelers are advised to adhere strictly to health advisories and report any concerning symptoms promptly.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
