Tanzania Confirms Marburg Virus Case, Mobilizes Emergency Response
Over 300 contacts are under observation as President Hassan and WHO launch a coordinated response to contain the latest outbreak.
Tanzania has confirmed a case of the deadly Marburg virus in its northwestern Kagera region, prompting an immediate response from national authorities and international health organizations.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the outbreak on Monday, January 20, during a press briefing in Dodoma alongside WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The confirmation comes after initial denials of the World Health Organization (WHO) reports last week that suggestednine suspected cases and eight deaths in the region.
"We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease," President Hassan stated.
The highly infectious Marburg virus, related to Ebola, can have afatality rate as high as 88 percent, depending on healthcare access. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, with symptoms including fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and potential hemorrhaging.
Laboratory analysis confirmed one positive case in Tanzania's Biharamulo District, while other suspected cases have tested negative. Over 300 individuals, including healthcare workers who had contact with the confirmed case, are under observation. Nevertheless, President Hassan is confident in the government's ability to manage the outbreak effectively, "We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around," she said, referencing Tanzania's successful containment of a previous outbreak in 2023.
The WHO has committed $3 million in emergency funds to support Tanzania's response efforts, which include enhanced surveillance, testing, and deployment of rapid response teams to the affected region. "WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania," commented Dr Tedros.
Meanwhile, neighboring Kenya has heightened surveillance, citing concerns about potential cross-border spread due to regional mobility. While no cases have been reported in Kenya, the country's Ministry of Health has declared itself at "high risk" and is conducting readiness assessments.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, praised Tanzania's transparency in handling the outbreak, emphasizing the importance of the government's swift response, "The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread," she said.
Last October, Rwanda's Ministry of Health confirmed 27 cases of the Marburg virus and reported nine deaths. The cases emerged across seven districts, with healthcare workers accounting for about 70 percent of infections. In response, the government implemented strict measures, including funeral attendance restrictions and enhanced hygiene protocols.