Russian consumer rights watchdog following info on Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda

MOSCOW. Oct 3 (Interfax) - Russian consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor is following reports on the deterioration of the epidemiological situation in Rwanda, which is dealing with an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, and is conducting non-stop monitoring to prevent any possible public health risks.

"Rospotrebnadzor is following information on the worsening of the epidemiological situation due to the Marburg virus in Rwanda. The situation is monitored all the time to avert possible epidemiological risks," the Rospotrebnadzor press service told journalists.

Rwanda has recorded cases of Marburg virus disease, including fatal ones, it said. More than 70% of all confirmed cases are healthcare workers from two medical organizations in Kigali.

Rospotrebnadzor specialists stationed at border crossings use the Perimeter system to identify travelers with symptoms of infectious diseases, including people arriving from countries with an adverse epidemiological situation, it said.

"In order to avert the risk of importing the disease to our country, Rospotrebnadzor has a test system able to diagnose the Marburg virus developed by its research center," Rospotrebnadzor said.

The Marburg virus is a severe highly contagious disease with a high fatality rate, which causes hemorrhagic fever and affects the liver, the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. The Marburg virus originates in fruit bats. It is transmitted from bats to humans and may spread between humans through close contacts. There is currently no special treatment or vaccine for the Marburg virus.