This very difficult decision has been made following the alert of the Marburg virus outbreak, detected in several districts in Rwanda, including Kigali.
CEO of GACD Dr Morven Roberts, stated, “We are all hugely disappointed to have to take this step, but the safety of our participants is our top priority. We know that the Rwanda Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Biomedical Center and involved agencies are doing their utmost to bring the outbreak under control. We appreciate their transparency and resolve in managing the outbreak and we cannot detract them from that intense activity at this time. In the same light, we cannot disregard the risks associated with convening an international meeting of global delegates amidst an outbreak of such a serious disease, and potentially contributing to the burden of risk. We have been monitoring the situation and consulting with a range of partners and contacts over the last few days. Our assessment of the risk aligns with the ongoing WHO advisory that considers the risk as very high at national level and high at the regional level. Very unfortunately, given the timing of the outbreak and continued uncertainty, it means we have decided we need to change our immediate plans and postpone our meeting.
“We all look forward to the ASM as a vibrant platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. We are committed to rescheduling the ASM but will need some time to reassess the timing of any event, which we might hope would take place later in Rwanda. We will put together new plans as soon as we can and share these with you.
“We understand that this postponement will affect the current travel and accommodation arrangements that you have made, but I am sure that you can appreciate this is a situation beyond our control. We anticipate that your projects and institutions will be able to draw on relevant insurance.”
For more information and/or enquiries, please visit our website or contact GACD Communications at comms@gacd.org.
About the Marburg Virus
Marburg virus disease MVD is a highly virulent disease that can cause haemorrhagic fever and is clinically similar to Ebola diseases. Marburg and Ebola viruses are both members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus). Marburg virus disease– The Republic of Rwanda
As of Oct. 3, 2024, Rwanda has recorded 36 cases, 25 in isolation, 11 deaths and 5 recovered from Marburg virus disease.
Most of those infected (80%) are health workers, particularly those who work in intensive care units in hospitals in Kigali
Marburg virus spreads between people via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. Healthcare workers can be infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed MVD. Burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute to the transmission of Marburg virus.
The incubation period varies from two to 21 days. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Symptoms progress with severe diarrhoea, vomiting through to severe haemorrhagic manifestations. In fatal cases, death occurs most often between eight and nine days after symptom onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock.
There is currently no available treatment or vaccine for MVD. Some candidate vaccines are currently under development.
Several outbreaks of MVD have previously been reported in previous years from countries neighbouring Rwanda, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The current outbreak has concerted action from the Rwanda Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Biomedical Center and support from international agencies including WHO and CDC Africa.