The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania’s Kagera region, resulting in eight fatalities among nine identified cases.
Marburg virus, akin to Ebola, is a highly virulent pathogen causing severe hemorrhagic fever, with fatality rates reaching up to 88%. The virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.
The WHO received credible reports of suspected cases on January 10, 2025. Symptoms reported include high fever, headache, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting blood, muscle weakness, and external bleeding. Samples from two patients are currently undergoing testing at Tanzania’s national laboratory to confirm the outbreak.
Efforts are underway to trace and monitor contacts of the patients, including healthcare workers, to prevent further transmission. The WHO has assessed the national and regional risk levels as high, citing the potential for geographical spread due to delayed detection and the region’s role as a transit hub with cross-border movements to neighboring countries.
This development follows a recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, which shares a border with Tanzania’s Kagera region. The Rwandan outbreak resulted in 66 cases and 15 deaths before being declared over on December 20, 2024.
Tanzania previously experienced its first Marburg outbreak in March 2023, also in the Kagera region, which lasted nearly two months and resulted in six deaths.
Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. Supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms, can improve survival rates. The WHO emphasizes the importance of community engagement, surveillance, and prompt case management to control outbreaks effectively.
Neighboring countries are advised to enhance surveillance and preparedness to mitigate the risk of cross-border transmission. The global risk is currently assessed as low, but vigilance remains crucial due to the potential for international spread.
