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Oct. 11, 2024

U.S. health officials recently warned travelers to and from Rwanda of a Marburg Virus Disease (Marburg) outbreak. The Rwandan Ministry of Health declared an outbreak on Sept. 27, and as of Oct. 6, Rwanda reported 49 cases and 12 deaths from Marburg.

On Oct. 7, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Rwanda, which recommends people traveling to Rwanda to reconsider non-essential travel. The CDC also posted health messages at the international arrival areas in the three airports receiving passengers from Rwanda.

Beginning the week of Oct. 14, CDC plans to begin public health entry screening of travelers entering the United States who have been in Rwanda in the past 21 days. This screening aims to reduce the risk of importation of Marburg cases into the United States and the spread within U.S. communities.

Marburg is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that can cause serious illness and death. It spreads through contact with infected animals or people and there is no treatment or vaccine. Its symptoms are like other tropical diseases.

View the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for more information.

View the U.S. Customs and Border Protection bulletin.