The WHO has warned of a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region, with at least eight deaths and nine suspected cases reported. The disease, which presents severe symptoms similar to Ebola, poses a high risk of spread due to the region’s connectivity with neighboring countries. Rapid response teams are active, and although the global risk is deemed low, heightened surveillance is essential.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning concerning a potential new outbreak of the Marburg virus in Tanzania’s Kagera region, where the disease has reportedly claimed the lives of at least eight individuals. In a statement released on Tuesday, the WHO noted the identification of nine suspected cases in the area over the last five days, with WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus suggesting that further cases are likely as disease surveillance improves. Symptoms of the Marburg virus, which shares similarities with Ebola, include severe fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in extreme cases, death resulting from hemorrhagic complications.
The region of Kagera is recognized as a significant transit hub, facilitating cross-border movement to neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, which heightens the risk of potential virus spread. Previous outbreaks, including one in March 2023 in Bukoba district that resulted in approximately six fatalities, underscore the dangers posed by the virus. The Tanzanian health authorities have yet to confirm the current outbreak, but the WHO has stated that healthcare workers and patients have been identified and are under surveillance. Rapid response teams have been mobilized to effectively identify additional cases and contain the situation. Although the WHO asserts that the global risk remains low, it emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance in the region.
The Marburg virus is a highly contagious pathogen related to the Ebola virus, primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats. The first known outbreak occurred in Angola in 2005, and the disease is characterized by a high mortality rate, often killing approximately half of those infected. Symptoms manifest suddenly, with fever and body aches leading to severe gastrointestinal distress and potential bleeding. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for the Marburg virus, although clinical trials are underway. Tanzania’s previous encounters with the virus, including a notable outbreak earlier in March this year, highlight the persistent threat posed by this disease, underscoring the importance of rapid response and surveillance measures.
In summary, the WHO’s alert regarding a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region emphasizes the critical situation as eight fatalities have been reported amidst nine suspected cases. The nature of the virus, its transmission routes, and past outbreaks reiterate the urgent need for effective monitoring and response protocols. The WHO advises caution but does not recommend travel restrictions, indicating that while the threat is serious, the global risk currently remains low. Continued international vigilance and support are essential in managing such outbreaks.
Original Source: www.bbc.com