New York State and City Departments of Health Collaborate With New York City and Federal Partners to Prepare and Monitor for Marburg Virus

Department of Health Has Issued a Health Advisory to Providers and Health Care Facilities

Health Officials Will Screen Travelers from Rwanda at JFK Airport

CDC Issues Level 3 Travel Alert Despite Low Risk of Marburg Virus Disease in United States

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 10, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) to monitor for Marburg virus following an outbreak in Rwanda. The State Department of Health has issued a health advisory to providers and health care facilities and is working to ensure appropriate safety and infection prevention is maintained in these facilities. Health care providers are encouraged to ask patients about travel and to use appropriate personal protective equipment, when necessary.

In response to the outbreak in Rwanda, the CDC has issued a level 3 travel alert. Federal officials will be funneling all travelers from Rwanda to three airports in the United States, including JFK in New York City, as well as Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Screenings will be conducted at the airports by CDC's Division of Global Migration Health, in coordination with each jurisdiction, to determine if travelers are considered to be at high risk or low risk.

"Marburg virus disease is a rare yet serious illness, similar to the Ebola virus disease, and while the risk is currently low in the United States, we are closely working with local and federal partners, including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in responding to and monitoring for this virus." State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "We remain vigilant, leveraging our public health partnerships, bio surveillance capabilities, clinical expertise and emergency response preparation which are among the many factors contributing to the decision to make JFK airport in New York City one of three destinations for monitoring, testing and, if necessary, containing this rare disease."

Currently, the risk of Marburg virus disease in the United States is low, however the CDC advises clinicians to be aware and alert to potential cases related to travel. Should the Department be made aware of a recent traveler from Rwanda with symptoms and need of medical care, the Department will work with the individual, the local health department and the health care facility to ensure that transport, evaluation and treatment is administered in the best way possible to minimize exposure to providers, other patients or the general public.

"Having lived and worked in Rwanda, I know what a beautiful and special place it is," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said. "Our concern for the people experiencing this crisis is foremost in our minds. And we also know the best way to stop an outbreak is at its source, so we're grateful to the CDC and Rwanda Ministry of Health for their unyielding efforts to get the situation under control. The risk is low right now to New York City and the nation. We want to ensure that people have all of the facts, which is why we will work closely with federal and state partners to screen travelers and provide guidance to providers and the public. We also routinely conduct emergency drills for transport and treatment of patients, and the city will continue exercising those skills in the weeks ahead, in the unlikely event they are required."

Marburg virus disease is spread through contact with infected animals or people. Symptoms are similar to Ebola virus disease, including fever, chills, muscle aches, a rash, and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Those at most risk for Marburg include people who have been in contact with Egyptian rousette bats or their excretions, people caring for individuals who are sick with the disease without proper protective equipment, and people in contact with infected non-human primates.

More information about Marburg virus can be found here.

More information on the federal response can be found here.