Tanzania has confirmed its first case of the marburg virus in the Kagera region, located in the northwest of the country.
President Samia Suluhu confirmed the news on Monday, January 20, 2025, stating that this incident marks the second case in the country.
The country recorded its first case of the disease in March 2023 in the Bukoba district. It resulted in six fatalities and persisted for nearly two months.
Speaking during the press conference attended by Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom, Suluhu confirmed that the action has since been shifted to the area affected where 25 suspected cases have been confirmed negative.
“You may have recalled that in recent times there have been rumours about the Marburg virus disease outbreak. I wish to inform you that following the rumours the government took several measures including an investigation of suspected individuals in the concerned areas. We deployed a team of experts to Kagera to assess the situation. A laboratory test conducted at Kabaile clinic later confirmed one person being infected with the virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” Suluhu stated.
“The government appreciates the swift attention accorded by the WHO on the matter and wishes to assure all that the measures implemented during the first outbreak of 2023 which included quick isolation, treatment of cases, contact tracing and community engagement proved highly effective and with same determination we are confident we will overcome this challenge once again.”
Marburg Virus
On average, the Marburg virus kills half of the people it infects, according to the WHO.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and then through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.
There are no specific treatments or a vaccine for the virus, although trials are under way.
