In Tanzania’s Kagera region, a silent threat has surfaced, with the Marburg virus claiming nine lives and raising concerns of a potential pandemic.
Rising Death Toll in Kagera
The Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region has resulted in nine confirmed deaths, exceeding previous reports. The World Health Organization acknowledges the severity of the situation as ten individuals tested positive for the virus.
Marburg virus outbreak kills 8 people in Tanzania, says WHO
◾Outbreak of the deadly disease reported in Kagera Region
◾ Tanzania's Ministry of Health is yet to issue a public statement, but dismisses report on outbreak of unknown illness in Kagera as fake news
January 15,… pic.twitter.com/VVPmqLAQ9W
— Tanzania Business Insight (@TanzaniaInsight) January 15, 2025
Authorities are working vigilantly to contain the virus within the Kagera region, home to a population of nearly three million. The Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, transmits through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, making containment critical.
Efforts to Manage the Outbreak
Tanzanian health authorities and the World Health Organization monitor over 281 contacts to control the spread of the infection. Test results so far indicate two more positive cases, while 29 tests returned negative. Still, the risk of wide-scale transmission is taken seriously.
⚠️BREAKING #MVD
WHO declares MARBURG OUTBREAK in Tanzania 🇹🇿.
9 cases ,8 deaths ,healthcare workers dead ,across 2 districts.
More cases expected.Local and national CONTAGION risk is HIGH (geographic and nosocomial spread).
Global contagion risk low.Marburg is our MOST… pic.twitter.com/jgh84TbNld
— Dr Richard Hirschson (@richardhirschs1) January 14, 2025
The African Center for Disease Control has deployed teams skilled in handling such outbreaks and brings experience from dealing with similar scenarios in neighboring countries.
Comparisons to Past Outbreaks
Previous Marburg outbreaks reinforce the gravity of the current situation. In Rwanda, a Marburg outbreak previously claimed 15 lives before being declared over by the WHO.
In March 2023, Tanzania faced its first outbreak of Marburg, resulting in six fatalities. Such events underline the dangers posed by this highly infectious virus.
The Virus at a Glance
The Marburg virus, first identified in 1967, originates from fruit bats but can transfer to humans and other animals. An incubation period of five to fifteen days makes Marburg particularly threatening, as it can spread quickly through direct contact with infected individuals or their fluids.
Symptoms include a range of manifestations from fever and headache to more severe signs like bleeding, all indicative of its high mortality rate. While no current vaccine or approved treatment exists, research efforts toward effective solutions continue.
Though health officials deem the risk of global spread low and advise against travel restrictions, vigilance remains paramount in reducing the virus’s potential reach beyond Tanzania’s borders.
Sources:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/33051548/nine-dead-marburg-ebola-pandemic-fears-africa/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/33051548/nine-dead-marburg-ebola-pandemic-fears-africa/
