Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases.
This was disclosed on the website of the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa on Monday.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus in the country’s capital, Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted at Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said.
“We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around,” she added.
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by the Marburg virus begins abruptly, with patients presenting with high fever, severe headache, and malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials. Although several promising medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for the disease.
However, early access to treatment and supportive care – such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and treatment of specific symptoms – can improve survival.
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of January 20, 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said.
The cases have been reported in Biharamulo district in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community of our collective determination to address global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said President Hassan.
The statement noted that WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures, including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, and increasing public awareness to prevent further spread.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible and to build a healthier, safer, and fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is the time for collaboration and commitment to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania and the region from the risks posed by this disease.”
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease locally and nationally, as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government in rapidly scaling up measures to respond effectively to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population.”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in the Kagera region, which resulted in nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths, with a case-fatality ratio of 67 per cent.
In response to this urgent threat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is mobilising strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours.
“The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control, and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement,” the Africa CDC stated.
“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania at this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management.
“Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC.
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