The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent warning regarding a suspected outbreak of the highly lethal Marburg virus in northern Tanzania, where eight fatalities have been reported. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that nine cases have been identified so far, including the eight deaths.
“As of now, we are aware of nine cases, eight of which have resulted in death,” said Tedros in a statement. The WHO anticipates that the number of cases will rise as health surveillance efforts intensify in the remote Kagera region of Tanzania.
Initial reports indicate that the victims have been suffering from severe symptoms such as intense headaches, high fevers, back pain, and vomiting blood. The Marburg virus is notorious for causing hemorrhagic symptoms, which can lead to internal bleeding, as well as bleeding from orifices like the mouth, eyes, and ears. In many cases, the disease proves fatal within a week of infection, with the most severe symptoms surfacing around days eight or nine.
Without treatment, the virus can be fatal in up to 88% of cases, making it one of the most deadly viral infections known to humanity. The disease typically begins abruptly with fever and malaise, followed by watery diarrhea and abdominal pain on the third day.
However, the Tanzanian government has denied the presence of any confirmed Marburg virus cases. In a statement released late Wednesday, Health Minister Jenista Mhagama announced that laboratory results for all suspected cases were negative as of January 15, 2025. She confirmed that immediate measures were taken upon the receipt of the initial reports, including the deployment of experts and laboratory testing.
“Tanzania has strengthened its disease surveillance systems in response to the outbreak concerns,” Mhagama said.
Similar to the Ebola virus, Marburg originates in fruit bats and spreads between humans through close contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. It can also be transmitted through contaminated injection equipment and direct contact during burial ceremonies.
In neighboring Rwanda, an outbreak of Marburg virus ended in December 2024, having resulted in 15 deaths and 66 reported cases, with healthcare workers being disproportionately affected.
Tanzania experienced its first Marburg outbreak in 2023 in the same Kagera region, with nine cases, including six deaths. The WHO has assessed the current risk level for the suspected outbreak as high at the national and regional levels, but low globally.
Currently, there are no authorized vaccines or specific treatments for the Marburg virus, though rehydration therapy can improve survival chances. Researchers are exploring potential solutions, with five vaccine candidates showing promise in animal trials.
Tanzania faced international criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic for withholding data on infections and failing to implement preventive measures, raising concerns about the government’s handling of future outbreaks.
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