The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in Tanzania’s Kagera region, infecting nine individuals and resulting in eight fatalities. This follows closely on the heels of a recent outbreak in neighboring Rwanda that was declared over in December 2024.
About the Marburg Virus
Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever from the same family as Ebola, with a fatality rate of up to 88%. It is primarily transmitted to humans by fruit bats, which are native to East Africa. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing.
Timeline of Events
- January 10: WHO received reports of suspected cases in the Kagera region.
- Symptoms Reported: Patients exhibited severe symptoms, including headache, high fever, back pain, vomiting blood, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and external bleeding.
- Testing Underway: Samples from two patients are currently being tested at Tanzania’s national laboratory to confirm the outbreak.
Containment Measures
- Contact Tracing: Authorities have identified and are monitoring the contacts of infected individuals, including healthcare workers.
- WHO Support: The WHO is collaborating with local health authorities to manage the situation.
Recent Context
- Rwanda Outbreak: The outbreak in Rwanda, which borders Tanzania, infected 66 people and claimed 15 lives before being contained in December 2024.
- Previous Kagera Outbreak: An earlier outbreak in Kagera in March 2023 lasted nearly two months, killing six individuals.
Risks and Response
With its high fatality rate and ability to spread through direct contact, the Marburg virus poses a significant public health threat. Vigilant monitoring, rapid response, and effective containment strategies are critical to curbing its spread and minimizing fatalities.
