Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls for Reassessment of United States Level 3 Travel Advisory on Rwanda
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has formally urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) to reassess and lift the Level 3 travel advisory due to Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Outbreak, “Rethink Travel” was issued on October 7, 2024 for Rwanda.
In a letter to the hon. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, and Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kasea highlighted Rwanda’s achievements in containing and managing the outbreak. significant progress. As of November 17, 18 days have passed since the last case of Marburg virus disease (MVD) was reported in the country. All previously infected patients have been successfully discharged from hospital and strict surveillance and community follow-up systems are now in place. Additionally, 100% of case contacts were followed up, and all contact cases completed the required monitoring period.
Rwanda’s success is due to a rapid, coordinated effort led by its Ministry of Health, working with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners. The main measures implemented include:
- Strengthen national surveillance systems to detect cases as early as possible.
- Innovative approaches to contact tracing and case isolation.
- Expand and upgrade processing facilities to meet global standards.
- Conduct comprehensive publicity campaigns to educate the public on disease prevention
On September 27, Rwanda announced the emergence of Marburg virus disease. Since then, the country has worked tirelessly to contain the virus and prevent its spread within Rwanda and across Africa.
Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s health minister, told the Africa CDC weekly media briefing. “There have been no deaths from Marburg virus in over a month, which shows that we have made good progress, but the country remains vigilant.” Surveillance in Rwanda has been expanded to include fruit bats, the source of the index case, and all caves in the country have Be monitored.
Based on current data, the MVD index case resulted from a spillover from a zoonotic transmission. Of the 66 reported cases, Rwanda has recovered 51. Efforts are underway to track survivors and monitor those who have recovered from the virus.
Dr Nsanzimana added: “The case fatality rate among the unsuccessful has remained at 22.7%, which is relatively low compared with previous outbreaks in the region. The deployment of new tools, treatments and vaccines has contributed significantly to these results.”
Recent assessments by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recognize Rwanda’s progress. They confirmed that the risk of further spread of MVD is low, with no cases reported outside Rwanda or in the United States.
The travel advisory has a significant impact on Rwanda’s tourism and business sectors, both of which are crucial to its economy. Africa CDC urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CDC to work with international health agencies to assess the situation on the ground and update travel warnings to reflect the current epidemiological context.
Dr. Kasea emphasized that revising the recommendation “will recognize Rwanda’s public health achievements while supporting its economic recovery.” He reiterated the strong partnership between Africa CDC and the United States in promoting global health security.
Africa CDC remains committed to maintaining public health across the continent and working with global partners to ensure health security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
