Following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases, one patient proved positive for the Marburg virus, confirming an epidemic of the disease in the northwest Kagera region of Tanzania.
On Monday, the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa made this announcement on its website.
The announcement was made by Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of the Republic of Tanzania, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus at a news conference in Dodoma, the nation’s capital.
One patient was found to have the Marburg virus by laboratory testing at Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera, which was subsequently verified in Dar es Salaam. Thankfully, none of the other suspected patients had positive test results, the president stated.
“We have shown that we can contain a similar outbreak in the past, and we are committed to doing so this time,” she continued.
The very virulent Marburg virus illness causes hemorrhagic fever. It is a member of the same family as the virus that causes Ebola. Patients who contract the Marburg virus often manifest with a high temperature, a strong headache, and malaise. Within seven days, they can experience severe hemorrhagic signs.
Fruit bats are the source of the Marburg virus, which is conveyed to humans by direct contact with infected people’s bodily fluids, surfaces, and objects. There is presently no approved cure or vaccination for the illness, despite the fact that a number of promising medical countermeasures are undergoing clinical studies.
However, survival can be increased with early access to supportive care and therapy, such as treating particular symptoms and rehydrating with oral or intravenous fluids.
As of January 20, 2025, there have been 25 suspected cases recorded; all have tested negative and are being closely monitored, the president stated.
Biharamulo district in Kagera is where the instances have been reported.
According to President Hassan, “we have decided to reassure the Tanzanian public and the international community of our collective determination to address global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease.”
In order to avoid future spread, the statement stated that WHO is assisting Tanzanian health authorities in improving critical outbreak control measures, such as disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, and raising public awareness.
Dr. Tedros stated, “WHO, in collaboration with its partners, is dedicated to helping the Tanzanian government control the outbreak as quickly as possible and to create a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for all Tanzanians.” “We must work together and be dedicated to preventing this disease from endangering the health of everyone in Tanzania and the surrounding area.”
According to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, “the president’s declaration and the government’s actions are essential in addressing the threat of this disease locally and nationally, as well as preventing potential cross-border spread.” “Assisting the government in swiftly increasing measures to effectively combat this outbreak and protect public health is our top priority.”
In March 2023, Tanzania announced its first-ever Marburg epidemic in the Kagera region, which led to six fatalities and nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable), with a case-fatality ratio of 67%.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are rallying robust support to assist Tanzania in containing the outbreak in response to this pressing threat. Within the following 24 hours, a group of 12 public health specialists will be sent out on an advance mission.
“To provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement, the multidisciplinary team comprises epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control, and laboratory experts,” the Africa CDC said.
“Africa CDC is fully supporting Tanzania during this crucial time. We are allocating US$ 2 million to help the government’s efforts by boosting diagnoses, improving case management, and deploying public health experts as part of rapid reaction measures.
“We are certain that prompt and decisive action, along with our support and that of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control, building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak,” stated Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC.
ALSO READ:
Trump Is Being Sued By Immigration Groups Over His Order To Terminate US Birthright Citizenship.
