WHO warns of high risk as health workers affected by suspected marburg outbreak in Tanzania

A possible outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania has resulted in eight fatalities and has been classified as a significant threat to the country and its neighboring regions, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

As of January 11, nine suspected cases have been reported in Tanzania’s Kagera region, located in the north of the country, covering two areas, including the confirmed deaths.

While the global risk remains low, experts stress that the situation within Tanzania and its neighboring countries is of serious concern.

Reported symptoms include intense headaches, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, blood in vomit, and severe weakness, followed by bleeding during the later stages of the disease.

The WHO mentioned:

“The spread of suspected cases across two areas points to geographical transmission. Delayed detection and challenges in contact tracing suggest crucial information is still missing, and further cases are likely to be uncovered.”

The organization also pointed to the virus’s high fatality rate, which can reach up to 89%, and the heightened risk of transmission within healthcare settings, as medical professionals are among those suspected of contracting the virus.

The Kagera region borders Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, areas with high levels of cross-border movement, thus amplifying the potential for the disease to spread to neighboring countries.

Despite Marburg virus not being highly contagious—transmission generally occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces—the WHO emphasized:

“The risk of exposed individuals traveling between areas cannot be excluded.”

The origin of the current outbreak remains unclear, with ongoing investigations involving contact tracing and laboratory analysis. Marburg outbreaks typically emerge when humans come into contact with fruit bats, the natural hosts of the virus.

This outbreak follows a Marburg incident in nearby Rwanda, where bats in a mining cave were identified as the source. That outbreak led to 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.

Tanzania also experienced a Marburg outbreak in 2023 in the Kagera region, resulting in nine cases and six deaths.

The fatality rate for Marburg virus ranges from 24% to 88%. An outbreak is considered officially ended only after 42 days with no new cases, and two consecutive negative tests from the last patient.