Tanzania Denies Marburg Virus Outbreak amid WHO Warning

16th January 2025 By The Global Heroes Health

Tanzania has rejected a World Health Organization (WHO) report claiming a new outbreak of Marburg virus in the country’s Northwestern Kagera region. On Tuesday, the WHO revealed that eight suspected cases, including nine deaths in the region within five days, had been reported. However, Health Minister Jenista Mhagama assured the public that tests on samples ruled out the cause of Marburg virus.

In a statement, Mhagama stressed that Tanzania’s health systems remain vigilant, with improved surveillance and surveillance strategies. "We want to assure the international community, including the WHO, that we will keep them updated on developments," he said.

The warning follows Tanzania’s first encounter with Marburg outbreak in March 2023 in Bukoba province, which killed six people and lasted for nearly two months. Marburg virus, a highly contagious disease similar to Ebola, is characterized by fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe bleeding that can lead to death.

Although Tanzania denies the current outbreak, it has responded quickly to the WHO warning. A team of experts was sent to Kagera to collect animals for analysis. While Mhagama ruled out the Marburg virus, he did not disclose the total number of cases found.

The WHO had earlier warned of additional potential cases in Kagera due to increased surveillance. The organization also highlighted the region’s high risk of cross-border spread due to its transit point bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that rapid response teams have been activated to monitor potential cases and prevent any spread. However, the global health agency said the overall risk of the suspected outbreak remained "negligible" and no travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania were recommended.

Marburg virus, which has an average mortality rate of 50%, is transmitted from fruit flies to humans and is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Currently, there is no specific treatment or treatment, although trials are ongoing.

The neighboring country of Rwanda recently announced the end of its Marburg outbreak, which has infected 66 people and killed 15 people. Tanzania’s swift denial of the suspected outbreak underlines the country’s commitment to maintaining transparency and proactive treatment in collaboration with international health agencies.

Reaffirming its vigilance and maintaining open communication with the global health community, Tanzania aims to protect public health while ensuring adequate information on infectious diseases.