Tanzania Confirms Marburg Virus Outbreak in Kagera Region
Tanzania today 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 of the disease.
During a press briefing in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma, President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, announced the outbreak alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“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.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Patients present with high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise, and may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“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,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 in Kagera region, with a total of nine cases and six deaths reported. In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in several countries.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials. While there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease, early access to treatment and supportive care can improve survival.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.
