US Limiting Rwanda Arrivals to 3 Airports Over Marburg Virus Concerns

U.S. officials are implementing enhanced screening measures for individuals flying from Rwanda to three designated airports in an effort to prevent the spread of the Marburg virus, which is similar to Ebola, within the United States.

All passengers traveling to the United States from Rwanda will be directed to either John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, or Dulles International Airport near Washington, as stated by the U.S. Department of State.

An outbreak of Marburg occurred in Rwanda, a country in central Africa with a population of approximately 13 million, in September, according to local authorities.

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Since the initial announcement of the outbreak, all newly confirmed cases have been traced back to a hospital in Kigali, with no evidence of community transmission, stated the agency.

The Marburg virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals, as well as contaminated objects.

Symptoms typically manifest between two to 21 days after exposure.

A significant number of patients infected with the virus do not survive.

While there are currently no approved treatments or vaccines, an experimental vaccine has been administered to approximately 850 individuals in Rwanda.

The CDC is overseeing the enhanced screening procedures at the three designated airports, federal officials confirmed. The screening operations commenced on October 16.

If individuals exhibit fever or other symptoms, or if there is suspected exposure to Marburg based on the responses provided, a CDC medical officer will conduct an assessment and may recommend further medical evaluation at a nearby hospital.

Travelers are advised to monitor their health for 21 days following their departure from Rwanda, isolate themselves, and contact their local health authorities or healthcare providers if they develop any symptoms during this period.

“Stay home and avoid contact with others except when seeking medical care as advised by the health department or a healthcare provider,” added the CDC.