Marburg disease belongs to the same virus family as the one that causes Ebola and is transmitted to humans through contact with fruit bats.

Rwanda has confirmed its first cases of Marburg disease, a type of viral hemorrhagic fever that can lead to death in some patients, according to a statement from the country's health ministry released on Friday.

The ministry is currently investigating the source of the infections and has isolated the affected individuals for treatment. While the exact number of cases was not specified, the ministry indicated that there are only a few reported cases.

Marburg disease has a high fatality rate, reaching up to 88%. It belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and is transmitted to humans through contact with fruit bats. The disease spreads further through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Symptoms of Marburg disease include a high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, muscle aches, and abdominal pain, as outlined by the health ministry.

In the region, Tanzania reported cases of Marburg in 2023, while Uganda experienced similar outbreaks in 2017.