Rwanda is set to begin a vaccine study against the deadly Marburg hemorrhagic fever as the country seeks to control the spread of the ongoing outbreak. As of now, the virus has claimed 12 lives. The vaccine study, which was announced by health officials on Sunday, will involve the use of 700 investigational doses provided by the U.
S.-based Sabin Vaccine Institute. These doses will be administered to healthcare workers, emergency responders, and people who have come into contact with confirmed cases of the virus.
Rwanda's Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, confirmed that the Rwanda Biomedical Centre had thoroughly reviewed the vaccine shipment before initiating the trial. While there is no currently authorized vaccine or treatment for Marburg, this clinical trial aims to provide vital data to help control the virus. Marburg, which is similar to Ebola, is believed to originate from fruit bats and spreads through close contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, such as bed sheets.
The virus can be fatal in up to 88 per cent of cases without appropriate treatment. In a statement, the Sabin Vaccine Institute noted that they have entered into a clinical trial agreement with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre to provide doses for the study. Rwanda is currently battling 46 confirmed cases of the virus, with 29 people in isolation.
At least 400 people who have come into contact with the infected are being monitored. The outbreak was officially declared in Rwanda on Septem.