Tanzania has reported a new case of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious disease with a fatality rate of up to 88% if untreated. President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on Monday that a sample from a remote area in northern Tanzania tested positive for the virus. The confirmation came during a press briefing in Dodoma, the capital, alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
This marks the second outbreak of Marburg in Tanzania’s Kagera region since 2023. The region is located near Rwanda, which recently declared the end of its own Marburg outbreak after 15 deaths and 66 cases. Healthcare workers were primarily affected in Rwanda’s outbreak.
The presence of Marburg in Tanzania raises concerns about the spread of the virus in the region. Both Tanzania and Rwanda are now working closely with the WHO to monitor and contain the disease.
In mid-January, the WHO reported that Marburg had claimed the lives of eight people in Tanzania’s Kagera region, though this was initially disputed by Tanzanian health officials. After further testing, authorities confirmed that the virus was present.
Marburg, which originates from fruit bats, spreads to humans through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, bleeding, which can lead to death. There is no approved vaccine or treatment for the virus.
As of now, health authorities are focused on isolating infected individuals and monitoring potential contacts to prevent further spread. The WHO is providing support to Tanzanian officials by sending expert teams and resources to manage the outbreak.
The situation in Tanzania highlights the ongoing threat posed by Marburg in Central and East Africa. With Kagera being a major transit hub for people traveling to and from neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the risk of cross-border transmission is significant.
Tanzania’s president reassured the public that the situation is under control, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance to contain the virus.
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