---
title: "Rwanda declares that Marburg virus outbreak is over"
description: "KIGALI, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Rwanda has declared an end to the country's Marburg virus outbreak following the recovery of the last patient 42 days ago, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana told a news conference on Friday."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Health"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-20-rwanda-declares-that-marburg-virus-outbreak-is-over/"
published: "2024-12-20T12:34:40"
updated: "2024-12-20T12:34:42"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 125
---

# Rwanda declares that Marburg virus outbreak is over

> KIGALI, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Rwanda has declared an end to the country's Marburg virus outbreak following the recovery of the last patient 42 days ago, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana told a news conference on Friday.

By Reuters · Published 20 December 2024, 14:34 SAST · Updated 20 December 2024, 14:34 SAST

## Key points
- After a 42-day nail-biter, Rwanda has officially bid adieu to the Marburg virus outbreak, proving once again that sometimes, the best way to end a fever is with a little time and a lot of resilience.
- Rwanda confirms the end of its Marburg virus outbreak, with no new cases reported for 42 days.
- The health ministry recorded 66 confirmed cases, resulting in 15 deaths and 51 recoveries.
- Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana announced the official conclusion of the outbreak, following WHO guidelines.
- The declaration marks a significant milestone in the country's public health efforts against viral hemorrhagic fevers.

## Content

The East African country confirmed its first cases of the disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever that can cause death, among some patients, in mid-September.

It reported 66 confirmed cases with 15 deaths and 51 recoveries, the health ministry said on Friday.

"It has been a long journey but today, here come to the end of Marburg outbreak in Rwanda. So, Marburg is over according to World Health Organization guidelines," Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana told a news conference.

"It took us for 42 days since the last patient tested negative and discharged... Last night at midnight exactly, was the end of the 42nd day therefore we declare Marburg over in Rwanda."

(Reporting by Philbert Girinema; Writing by George ObulutsaEditing by Bate Felix)