Kenya is among countries that the World Health Organization (WHO) has placed on high alert following the emergence of the deadly Marburg virus in neighboring Tanzania.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the organization confirmed that the virus had killed at least eight people across two districts in the Swahili-speaking nation. A total of nine infections have been confirmed so far, the statement added.
WHO emphasized that there was an increased need for countries in regions similar to Tanzania, such as Kenya, to exercise heightened caution, as the risk assessment for neighboring countries was considered high compared to the global one, which remains low.
The outbreak was reported in Kagera, a district located in the northwestern part of Tanzania, which borders Uganda to the north, Rwanda to the west, and Lake Victoria to the east.
The organization then stated that the confirmed number of deaths was accurate and expressed concern that fatalities would likely rise in the coming days.
“We are aware of nine cases so far, including eight people who have died. We expect further cases in the coming days as disease surveillance improves,” the statement said.
Assistance to member states
In a statement dated January 14, 2025, WHO confirmed that it had disseminated the information to all its member states and international health regulations to ensure safety measures are followed.
It also noted that it had used its secure web-based platform, the Event Information Site (EIS), to track the virus’s location and monitor the situation.
“On January 13, 2025, WHO informed its member states and International Health Regulations (IHR) state parties of an outbreak of suspected Marburg virus disease in the Kagera region, Tanzania, using our secure web-based platform – the Event Information Site (EIS),” the release stated.
WHO went on to assure that it had already extended the necessary assistance to the Tanzanian government to help contain the Marburg virus and would offer similar support to other affected countries.
“WHO has offered its full assistance to the government of Tanzania and to affected communities,” the statement concluded.
About Marbug disease
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus.
First identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, MVD has since been reported sporadically in various countries, primarily in Africa.
The disease is transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, organs, or bodily fluids of infected animals, such as fruit bats and primates, or humans.
Initial symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and malaise. As the disease progresses, it can lead to severe hemorrhaging, organ failure, and death.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for MVD. Supportive care, including rehydration and symptomatic treatment, is essential to improve survival rates.
Preventive measures focus on avoiding contact with fruit bats and primates, as well as implementing strict infection control practices in healthcare settings.
Recent outbreaks have occurred in countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Guinea. In 2023, Tanzania had also reported cases of MVD, with a case fatality rate of approximately 67%.
