A suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in northwest Tanzania has infected nine people and claimed eight lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This concerning development comes just weeks after neighbouring Rwanda declared its own outbreak of the deadly virus officially over.
The Marburg virus, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of up to 88%, is closely related to Ebola. Both viruses are endemic to East Africa and are believed to be transmitted to humans through fruit bats. The current Tanzanian outbreak has been reported in the Kagera region, which borders Rwanda.
The WHO confirmed it received reports of the suspected cases on 10 January. Patients have shown symptoms including headache, high fever, muscle weakness, back pain, vomiting blood, and severe external bleeding. Samples from two patients are being tested at Tanzania’s national laboratory, with efforts underway to trace and monitor all contacts, including healthcare workers.
Rwanda’s outbreak, which ended on 20 December, infected 66 people and resulted in 15 deaths. The proximity of the outbreak to Tanzania’s Kagera region raises concerns about potential cross-border transmission. Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials like bedding and clothing, highlighting the urgency of swift containment.
This is not Tanzania’s first encounter with the Marburg virus. In March 2023, an outbreak in the same Kagera region killed six people and lasted nearly two months. The recurrence of cases in the area highlights the virus’s persistent threat.
Rwanda’s successful containment of its outbreak demonstrates the importance of coordinated public health responses. However, both Rwanda and Tanzania continue to face the challenge of managing infectious diseases in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
The WHO is collaborating with Tanzanian authorities to confirm the outbreak and prevent further spread. With Rwanda having recently emerged from its own crisis, regional cooperation will be essential to combating the Marburg virus and protecting public health across East Africa.
