In these instructions, which were established this Sunday, the leaders of religious organizations are asked to send messages to warn followers against this epidemic, to establish a method of hand washing for followers and to test everyone who enters temples and mosques.

Based on the instructions of the Ministry of Health regarding the prevention the disease caused by the Marburg Virus that has been detected in Rwanda, the RGB has asked the leaders of the religious communities to put in place measures related to the prevention of the disease caused by the Marburg Virus and encouraging their followers to follow established guidelines.

Among the measures that must be observed in places of worship are sending messages to warn members to avoid the Marburg epidemic in temples and mosques, setting up a way to wash hands with clean water and soap or hand sanitizer, testing everyone who enters temples and mosques for fever and avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms or close to the body of the deceased.

RGB also announced that it is forbidden to hold funeral ceremonies for the deceased in temples and mosques. It is during this time that all Rwandans are asked to avoid contact with or touching the equipment of people with Marburg symptoms. It is also forbidden to get close to the body of a victim of this virus. RGB announces these instructions one day after Rwanda started measures to prevent this epidemic.’

The Ministry of Health reports that as of this week, the Marburg virus has killed 12 of the 49 infected people. 29 people were treated while eight others recovered. Marburg is an infectious disease that causes high fever and can be fatal.

It is caused by a virus, and has basic symptoms similar to those of other infectious diseases such as Malaria or Typhoid. Symptoms of Marburg disease include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

Marburg Vaccine