Suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania claims 8 lives

Kagera, Tanzania — A possible Marburg virus outbreak has been detected by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the northwest Tanzanian area of Kagera. According to the most recent WHO bulletin, the outbreak has led to nine probable illnesses and eight fatalities.

The Ebola virus and the Marburg virus are members of the same family and cause lethal viral hemorrhagic fever, with an 88% mortality rate. Fruit bats, which are widespread in East Africa, are the vector of transmission to humans. The symptoms of the disease include severe headache, high fever, back pain, muscle weakness, vomiting blood, diarrhoea, and external bleeding, which can rapidly progress to death.

On January 10, 2025, credible reports of probable cases in the Kagera region were sent to the WHO. Since then, Tanzanian health officials have taken steps to keep an eye on the outbreak, including confirming the presence of the Marburg virus in two patient samples tested at the national laboratory.

Healthcare workers and other people who came into contact with the infected patients have also been identified by health officials, and they are being closely watched for any possible virus signs.

Only a few weeks have passed since the Dec. 20, 2024, declaration of the end of a Marburg virus outbreak in neighboring Rwanda. The Rwandan outbreak killed 15 people and infected 66 others.

Reliable reports of likely cases in the Kagera region were forwarded to the WHO on January 10, 2025. Tanzanian health officials have now taken action to monitor the outbreak, including verifying that two patient samples examined at the national laboratory had the Marburg virus.

Health officials have also identified healthcare personnel and other individuals who had contact with the infected patients, and they are being closely monitored for any potential viral symptoms.

Just a few weeks have gone by since the Marburg virus outbreak in neighboring Rwanda was declared to be over on December 20, 2024. The outbreak in Rwanda resulted in 66 infections and 15 fatalities.