Tanzania has declared an outbreak of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the Kagera region, following the confirmation of one case after thorough investigations and lab tests on suspected cases.¹ This is the second outbreak in the country in two years.
Key Facts About the Outbreak:
- Location: Kagera region, northwest Tanzania
- Number of confirmed cases:
- Number of suspected cases: 25 (all tested negative)
- Source of the virus: Fruit bats
- Mode of transmission: Contact with infected bodily fluids
Symptoms and Impact:
- Symptoms: High fever, severe headaches, fatigue, and severe bleeding
- Case fatality ratio: Up to 88%
- Previous outbreak: 9 cases, 6 fatalities (67% death rate) in March 2023
Response and Prevention:
- WHO assistance: Strengthening outbreak control efforts, including surveillance, testing, treatment, and public awareness
- Africa CDC funding: $2 million to support Tanzania’s response
- Prevention measures: Avoiding contact with infected bodily fluids, enhancing public awareness, and activating health declaration forms for incoming passengers from affected regions.
Source: Vanguard
