U.S. Announces Airport Screening for Travelers from Rwanda Amid Marburg Virus Outbreak

U.S. health officials plan to screen all travelers from Rwanda for the Marburg virus starting October 14, 2024, in light of 56 confirmed cases and 12 deaths reported in the country. Passengers will undergo health assessments upon arrival in designated airports. The CDC warns against non-essential travel to Rwanda and advises vigilance for symptoms related to the virus.

In response to the ongoing spread of the Marburg virus in Rwanda, U.S. health authorities have announced that all travelers arriving from this country will undergo screening for the disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to initiate public health entry screenings for these travelers starting the week of October 14, 2024. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risk of Marburg cases being imported into the United States and to prevent potential outbreaks within U.S. communities. As of October 7, Rwanda has reported 56 confirmed cases of the Marburg virus, accompanied by 36 individuals currently in isolation and 12 fatalities, according to the Ministry of Health of Rwanda. Notably, the Marburg virus has not been detected within the United States at this time. Travelers from Rwanda will be directed to three designated airports: Chicago O’Hare, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Upon arrival, these passengers will undergo temperature checks and assessments for symptoms associated with the virus—such as sore throat, vomiting, or rashes—indicating potential infection. The CDC notes that symptoms can manifest between two to 21 days following exposure to the virus. The Marburg virus, closely related to Ebola, causes severe hemorrhagic fevers and can lead to internal bleeding. Transmission occurs through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Currently, there are no available treatments or vaccines for this virus, and its mortality rate can reach as high as 88%, according to the World Health Organization. While the CDC maintains that the risk to the general American public is low, it issued a level 3 travel health notice advising against non-essential travel to Rwanda. Individuals who must travel to the affected area are cautioned to remain vigilant for symptoms for a period of 21 days post-exposure. Should any of the following symptoms arise—fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, chest pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding or bruising—the individual is urged to isolate and seek medical attention immediately. For further details, the CDC provides extensive information regarding the Marburg virus.

The Marburg virus is a highly infectious pathogen that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans, characterized by high fatality rates, severe symptoms, and a lack of effective treatment options. The current outbreak in Rwanda has prompted health authorities worldwide to increase vigilance due to the virus’s connection to the Ebola family and its modes of transmission through bodily fluids. U.S. health agencies, led by the CDC, have implemented screening measures at airports to safeguard public health amid growing concerns regarding international travel during viral outbreaks. The emphasis on travel advisories and symptom monitoring reflects a proactive public health response aimed at protecting the U.S. population.

In conclusion, the efforts by the CDC to screen travelers from Rwanda for the Marburg virus underscore the seriousness of the current outbreak and the need for rigorous public health measures. With confirmed cases and fatalities reported in Rwanda, these preventive actions aim to protect U.S. citizens and mitigate the risk of Marburg virus transmission within the country. Travelers are urged to adhere to health advisories and remain vigilant for any symptoms indicative of infection.

Original Source: www.usnews.com