The Republic of Tanzania has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the Kagera region, located in the northwestern part of the country. This declaration follows laboratory confirmation of one case after investigations into several suspected infections. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, alongside WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the outbreak during a press conference in Dodoma, the administrative capital. While one individual tested positive for the Marburg virus, the remaining 25 suspected cases, all reported in the Biharamulo and Muleba districts of Kagera as of January 20, 2025, have tested negative. These individuals remain under close monitoring. Both the Tanzanian government and the WHO have expressed their commitment to containing the outbreak and assuring the public of their concerted efforts to address this global health challenge.
Tanzanian health authorities, with support from the WHO, are implementing key outbreak control measures. These encompass heightened disease surveillance, robust testing procedures, prompt treatment protocols, strengthened infection prevention and control measures, effective case management, and a focused public awareness campaign to stem the spread of the virus within communities. The WHO has pledged its continued support to the Tanzanian government in their endeavor to swiftly control the outbreak and to establish a more robust and secure health infrastructure for all Tanzanians. This collaborative approach aims to mitigate the risks posed by MVD and protect the health of the population within Tanzania and the broader region.
MVD, a highly virulent hemorrhagic fever, shares a viral family with Ebola virus disease. Its onset is abrupt, characterized by high fever, severe headaches, and intense malaise. Within a week, patients may manifest severe hemorrhagic symptoms. The proactive stance taken by President Hassan and the government, encompassing the declaration of the outbreak and the implementation of control measures, is paramount in addressing the threat at both local and national levels, as well as preventing its potential spread across borders. The WHO’s regional office for Africa has also prioritized supporting the government in rapidly scaling up its response to effectively contain the outbreak and safeguard public health.
This recent outbreak is not Tanzania’s first encounter with MVD. In March 2023, the country reported its initial outbreak, also in the Kagera region. That outbreak resulted in nine cases, eight confirmed and one probable, with six fatalities, yielding a case fatality rate of 67%. The current outbreak underscores the persistent threat of MVD in the region and highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and rapid response mechanisms. The experience gained from the previous outbreak will likely inform the current control strategies being implemented.
The Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and transmits to humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and materials. Human-to-human transmission then occurs through similar contact routes. While research is ongoing, there are currently no licensed treatments or vaccines for MVD, although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are undergoing clinical trials. However, providing early access to supportive care, including rehydration therapy with oral or intravenous fluids, and addressing specific symptoms are crucial for improving patient survival rates.
The current outbreak of MVD in Tanzania necessitates a swift and coordinated response. The collaborative efforts of the Tanzanian government and the WHO, coupled with robust public health measures, are essential to containing the spread of the virus, minimizing its impact on the population, and preventing potential cross-border transmission. The experience from the 2023 outbreak will undoubtedly inform the current strategies and hopefully contribute to a more effective response. While the absence of licensed treatments and vaccines poses a challenge, the focus on early supportive care and symptom management remains critical in improving patient outcomes. The international community will continue to monitor the situation closely and offer support as needed to bring this outbreak under control and prevent further spread.
