The likelihood of Marburg virus exposure and infection for EU/EEA citizens traveling to or residing in the affected areas in Rwanda is currently considered low given that person-to-person transmission requires contact with body fluids of a symptomatic case, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

In the event of introduction of MVD cases into the EU/EEA, the likelihood of further transmission is considered very low if appropriate measures are implemented.

Tips for travelers

Travelers to Rwanda should be aware of the ongoing outbreak in Rwanda and affected areas and follow the advice of local health authorities. They should be advised to:

Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of MVD (such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding) or contact with materials and surfaces contaminated by the bodily fluids of infected individuals. This includes avoiding contact with corpses of infected people and the burial process.

They avoid visiting healthcare facilities in MVD-affected areas for non-emergency medical care or non-medical reasons.

They avoid habitats that may be inhabited by bats, such as caves or mines, as well as any form of close contact with wild animals, including monkeys, forest antelopes, rodents and bats, both live and dead, and eating any type of wild animal meat.

Travelers returning from Rwanda to the EU/EEA should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms compatible with MVD and report their travel history, as well as possible exposure history and close contacts.

ECDC is in contact with WHO Europe and CDC Africa to obtain more information and is developing guidance for EU public health authorities.