An outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Tanzania’s Kagera region has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals. Despite the alarming deaths, health authorities have refrained from imposing travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised a high alert for surrounding countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique.
WHO has called for increased vigilance and enhanced surveillance at critical entry points and recommended closer cooperation among neighboring nations to standardize reporting protocols. The organization also emphasized the importance of strengthening preparedness to facilitate early identification, isolation, and treatment of potential cases.
According to WHO reports, six individuals in the Kagera region were initially infected, with five fatalities recorded by January 10, 2025. Symptoms presented in these cases included fever, headache, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting blood, weakness, and in the later stages, external bleeding.
The situation worsened the following day, when nine more suspected cases were reported, including eight deaths, bringing the case fatality rate (CFR) to 89 percent across two districts, Biharamulo and Muleba. While the results of tests on samples from two patients are still pending confirmation, close monitoring of contacts, including healthcare workers, has been initiated in both districts.
WHO has stressed the need for fully equipped isolation and treatment centers to ensure effective patient care while preventing further transmission of the virus. The organization also advised strict adherence to safe and dignified burial protocols to minimize community exposure.
Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or treatments available for Marburg Virus Disease. However, several experimental vaccines are under development, and outbreaks such as this provide an opportunity to evaluate their safety and effectiveness.
In light of the virus’s high transmission risk, WHO has warned against close contact with infected patients and their bodily fluids. Those suspected or confirmed to have MVD should be immediately isolated in designated treatment centers. Family members and community members are advised not to care for sick individuals at home or handle bodies of those who have died from MVD.
To reduce the risk of bat-to-human transmission, WHO recommends avoiding long exposure to areas such as caves or mines that house fruit bat colonies. Additionally, it is critical to cook all animal products thoroughly before consumption during outbreaks.