On October 7, the Ministry of Health in Kazakhstan stepped up its border quarantine measures following recent evaluations of the Marburg virus outbreak by the World Health Organization.
In an official statement, the ministry clarified that the goal is to prevent the virus from entering the country. To that end, authorities have intensified inspections for travelers arriving in Kazakhstan. All international airports have now implemented non-contact temperature screenings for incoming passengers.
The health department also issued guidance for individuals planning to travel to Southern or Western Africa or to areas currently experiencing outbreaks. They emphasized the importance of taking precautions, specifically advising travelers to avoid contact with infected individuals and wildlife. “Research shows that bats are natural hosts of the Marburg virus, and it can be transmitted to humans through them,” the statement read. “Travelers in those regions should avoid caves, mines, and should not consume undercooked meat.”
This heightened response comes after the Rwandan health ministry confirmed the emergence of a Marburg virus outbreak in late September. As of September 29, the World Health Organization reported 26 confirmed cases in Rwanda, with 8 fatalities. Given that confirmed cases have also been identified in regions bordering Rwanda, the WHO has deemed there is a risk of further transmission.
Marburg virus disease is recognized by the World Health Organization as a highly lethal illness. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding. The Marburg virus is closely related to the Ebola virus and is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
