Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases.
According to The PUNCH, this was disclosed on the website of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa on Monday.
The president of the Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus in the country’s capital, Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted at Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said.
“We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around,” she added.
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by the Marburg virus begins abruptly, with patients presenting with high fever, severe headache, and malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials. Although several promising medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licenced treatment or vaccine for the disease.
However, early access to treatment and supportive care – such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and treatment of specific symptoms – can improve survival.
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of January 20, 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said.
The cases have been reported in Biharamulo district in Kagera.
