ALMATY – In response to the alarming outbreak of the Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, the Kazakh Healthcare Ministry has ramped up its efforts to monitor and control the epidemiological situation within the country. This announcement was made by the Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Sarkhat Beissenova, on October 7, 2024.

The Marburg virus is known for its high virulence, leading to severe hemorrhagic fever that can affect both humans and primates. This virus is naturally found in bats and can be transmitted from these animals to humans, raising significant public health concerns.

According to the Healthcare Ministry, regions in Southern, Western, and Central Africa are recognized as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus. Countries such as South Africa, Gabon, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Guinea, Zimbabwe, and Kenya are particularly noted for their association with this disease.

Symptoms of Marburg virus disease typically manifest within a window of 2 to 21 days following infection. Given the high rate of migration among the population, the Ministry has issued several health advisories for citizens traveling to endemic regions. Recommendations include:

• Avoiding contact with individuals who are infected.
• Steering clear of wild animals native to the African jungle.
• Refraining from consuming undercooked meat from local wildlife.
• Not visiting caves and mines that are home to large populations of Egyptian bats, which are known asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
• Seeking immediate medical attention if any symptoms of illness arise.
• Practicing stringent personal hygiene measures.

Beissenova emphasized that the Healthcare Ministry is actively monitoring the situation and has implemented sanitary and quarantine controls at international airports to prevent the potential spread of the virus into Kazakhstan.

In addition to the measures being taken to combat the Marburg virus, Kazakhstan is also focusing on broader health and safety initiatives. Recent developments include discussions among global religious leaders in Astana aimed at conflict resolution, and ongoing cooperation frameworks between UN officials and Kazakh representatives for the next five years.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan has announced plans to auction recovered assets to fund social impact projects, showcasing a commitment to community welfare. The country is also working to boost tourism by increasing flight availability and subsidizing travel routes.

As the situation develops, the Kazakh government remains vigilant, ensuring that public health remains a priority while fostering economic growth and international collaboration.

For those looking to stay informed about health advisories and other news, updates can be followed through various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, and TikTok.