Tanzania confirms outbreak of Marburg virus disease – Africa.com
Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the Kagera region in northwestern Tanzania. After investigation and laboratory analysis of suspected cases, one case tested positive for the virus.
The announcement was made by His Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the Republic of Tanzania, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), at a press conference in the country’s administrative capital, Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted at the Kabayil Mobile Laboratory in Kagera were later confirmed in Dar es Salaam, identifying one patient as being infected with Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative .” the president said. “We have demonstrated our ability to contain similar outbreaks in the past and are determined to do the same this time.”
The President said that as of January 20, 2025, a total of 25 suspected cases had been reported, all of which tested negative and are currently being closely followed up. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts of Kagera.
“We are determined to reassure the Tanzanian public at large and the entire international community of our collective resolve to tackle global health challenges, including Marburg virus disease,” His Excellency President Hassan said.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to strengthen key outbreak control measures, including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, and raising community public awareness to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the Tanzanian government to control the epidemic as quickly as possible and build a healthier, safer and more equitable future for all people in Tanzania,” said Dr. Tedros. “Now is the time for cooperation and commitment. to protect the health of everyone in Tanzania and the region from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus is highly viral and can cause hemorrhagic fever. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by the Marburg virus begins suddenly. The patient developed high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise. They may develop severe bleeding within 7 days.
“The president’s statement and the steps the government is taking are critical to addressing the threat of this disease at local and national levels and preventing potential cross-border transmission,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our first priority is to support the government in rapidly expanding measures to effectively respond to this epidemic and protect people’s health.”
Tanzania previously reported the country’s first Marburg outbreak in the Kagera region in March 2023, with a total of 9 cases (8 confirmed and 1 suspected) and 6 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 67%.
In the African region, outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids, surfaces and materials of infected people. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently in clinical trials, there are no licensed treatments or vaccines that can effectively manage or prevent Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care (rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids) and treatment of specific symptoms can improve survival.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.
