Tanzania rejects Marburg virus outbreak reports

Tanzania has denied reports of a Marburg virus outbreak, asserting all recent tests returned negative.

Health Minister Jenista Mhagama announced late Wednesday that, as of January 15, 2025, laboratory results showed no evidence of the deadly virus.

This clarification follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) report on Tuesday of suspected cases in Kagera, where eight people reportedly died with symptoms of Marburg.

The suspected cases displayed hallmark signs of the hemorrhagic fever, including severe headache, fever, back pain, bloody vomiting, and external bleeding.

The Marburg virus, a relative of Ebola, is transmitted through fruit bats and has a fatality rate of up to 88%.

Upon receiving the WHO alert, Tanzania deployed experts to Kagera, conducted investigations, collected samples, and initiated laboratory testing.

In a Thursday press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged Tanzania to send samples to international labs for further analysis.

The WHO pledged its support to Tanzania and reiterated its readiness to provide additional assistance if necessary.

This is not Tanzania’s first encounter with Marburg. In 2023, the country reported nine cases, including six fatalities, in the same region.

In response to the current concerns, the health ministry emphasized strengthened disease surveillance systems to safeguard public health.

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