Tanzania confirms Marburg virus outbreak in Kagera region

TANZANIA—Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after a case tested positive following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases.

This announcement comes just days after Kenya heightened its alert due to the Marburg virus, with eight deaths reported in the Kagera region, linked to nine cases.

Tanzania’s President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, shared the news during a press briefing in Dodoma alongside Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General.

The President revealed that laboratory tests conducted at the Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera later confirmed in Dar es Salaam, identified one patient as infected with the Marburg virus. All other suspected cases have been tested negative.

As of January 20, 2025, 25 suspected cases have been reported in Biharamulo district, Kagera. All of them have tested negative and are being monitored closely.

President Hassan assured the public and the international community that Tanzania is prepared to handle this outbreak, referencing the country’s previous success in managing similar health crises.

“We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around,” she emphasized.

In addition to containing the disease, the government is committed to taking necessary steps to prevent its spread.

WHO is working alongside Tanzanian health authorities to strengthen outbreak control measures, such as surveillance, testing, treatment, and infection prevention.

The organization is also boosting public awareness to help prevent further transmission within communities.

Dr. Tedros expressed WHO’s commitment to support the government in bringing the outbreak under control quickly, stressing the importance of collaboration in protecting public health.

 “Now is a time for collaboration and commitment to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania and the region,” he said.

Marburg virus disease, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever, is highly contagious and belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus.

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and malaise, with more severe bleeding symptoms developing within a week.

Marburg is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.

While there are no licensed treatments or vaccines yet, early supportive care, including rehydration, can significantly improve survival chances.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, commended Tanzania’s efforts and emphasized that swift action is critical to prevent the disease from spreading further, both locally and across borders. 

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