KIGALI, Rwanda

More than a month after Rwanda declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, health authorities have discharged the last patient, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.

The last patient was discharged on Friday but their contacts, along with those of previously discharged patients, will continue to be followed up until the end of their 21-day observation period, the WHO said in a statement.

If no new infections arise 42 days after the last confirmed case tests negative, the outbreak will be declared over.

A total of 66 cases and 15 deaths have been recorded during the outbreak, which was declared on Sept. 27.

Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana said the outbreak is under control and though no new cases are being reported for over a week, surveillance measures continue.

"This outbreak demonstrates that with the best available treatment, recovery is possible, and contributions to science can be made," he said. "The evidence generated from this outbreak is going to help shape surveillance activities going forward and prevent future outbreaks."

Brian Chirombo, WHO representative in the East African country, attributed the containment of the disease to concerted efforts which involved rapid deployment of rapid response teams, close monitoring of contacts, and implementation of infection prevention and control measures.

“Rwanda is successfully emerging from a highly challenging outbreak, effectively mitigating its potentially devastating impacts. The WHO remains committed to supporting these ongoing collaborative efforts until the outbreak is officially declared over,” he said.

Marburg virus disease is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola, a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%.

The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials.

Symptoms include high fever, strong headache, vomiting and muscle aches.