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  • Tanzania Battles Deadly Marburg Virus As 8 Lives Are Claimed; Africa CDC Takes Action

Tanzania Battles Deadly Marburg Virus As 8 Lives Are Claimed; Africa CDC Takes Action

Tanzania faces a deadly Marburg virus outbreak, claiming 8 lives in Kagera region. The government and WHO are mobilizing efforts to prevent further spread.

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Tanzania Battles Deadly Marburg Virus As 8 Lives Are Claimed; Africa CDC Takes Action

Marburg virus disease


A fresh outbreak of the Marburg virus has struck Tanzania, specifically in the north-western Kagera region, causing widespread concern as at least eight lives have been claimed by the deadly disease. Health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been working in tandem to contain the spread and mitigate further casualties. This marks the second outbreak of the Marburg virus in Tanzania, with the first one occurring earlier in 2023.

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Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly contagious and lethal disease that belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. It is often characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever, severe headaches, and a feeling of general malaise. As the infection progresses, the virus can cause severe haemorrhagic fever, leading to bleeding in various parts of the body, including internal organs. If left untreated, it can lead to death, with fatality rates ranging between 24% and 88%, depending on the strain and the quality of medical care provided.

The recent outbreak in Tanzania began with a suspected case in Kagera, where one individual initially tested positive for the virus. Subsequent investigations by health authorities confirmed that the outbreak was indeed caused by the Marburg virus. Tanzania’s President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, along with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, held a press conference to announce the outbreak and discuss the ongoing response measures.

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In response to the outbreak, the Tanzanian government, in collaboration with WHO, has mobilized resources and health experts to stem the spread of the virus. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also deployed a team of specialists to assist in containment efforts, working alongside local healthcare providers to manage the crisis. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of swift, coordinated action in her statement, saying, “The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread.”

One of the major challenges facing authorities is the need to rapidly scale up public health interventions, including contact tracing, isolation of affected individuals, and widespread education on the virus’s transmission and symptoms. These steps are crucial to prevent the virus from spreading further within Tanzania and to neighboring countries. Dr. Moeti reiterated that safeguarding the health of the population and ensuring timely responses are top priorities.

This is not the first time Tanzania has faced the Marburg virus. The country’s first outbreak was reported in March 2023, when a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) were reported in the Kagera region. Unfortunately, the 2023 outbreak claimed six lives, with a staggering case fatality ratio of 67%. The Tanzanian government and the WHO were quick to intervene, but the high fatality rate highlighted the challenges associated with managing the disease in resource-limited settings.

The recurrence of the Marburg virus in Tanzania underscores the need for sustained vigilance and preparedness. Although Marburg is not as widely known as Ebola, it poses a similar threat to public health and requires rapid intervention to prevent widespread transmission. Health experts warn that the virus can spread quickly, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare infrastructure.

To contain the Marburg virus, health experts have recommended several public health measures, including the isolation of infected individuals, contact tracing, and quarantine of those who may have been exposed. The Tanzania Ministry of Health has been working closely with local authorities to set up dedicated treatment centers, where individuals can receive supportive care to reduce the likelihood of fatality. In addition, there have been calls for increased community awareness campaigns, as many people may not be familiar with the symptoms and modes of transmission of the virus.

The WHO has been providing support to the Tanzanian government through the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), laboratory testing kits, and expertise in the management of viral hemorrhagic fevers. Given the virus’s high transmissibility, WHO has also been assisting in training local health workers to handle suspected and confirmed cases safely, thereby minimizing the risk of further transmission.

As the situation continues to evolve, health officials are working diligently to prevent further fatalities and reduce the virus’s spread. Although the outbreak has claimed eight lives so far, authorities remain hopeful that their swift response and the deployment of international support can help bring the situation under control.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by viral diseases in Africa. Despite significant strides in public health over the years, diseases like Marburg and Ebola remain major threats, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources. The global health community must continue to work together to ensure that outbreaks are swiftly contained and that the necessary resources and expertise are made available to affected regions.

As of now, Tanzania is taking the necessary precautions to contain the outbreak and protect its citizens, but ongoing vigilance, research, and global collaboration will be essential in preventing future outbreaks and ensuring the safety of the population.

ALSO READ: Rising Cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Pune Spark Investigation Into Possible Causes


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