Tanzania’s President confirmed a Marburg virus outbreak after initial denials from health authorities. One case has been confirmed in Kagera, with extensive testing of suspected cases showing negative results. The outbreak raises concerns due to the virus’s high fatality rate and transmissibility, making coordinated health responses critical. WHO’s director general indicated that the global risk is currently low, urging collaboration rather than restrictions.
Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has confirmed the outbreak of the Marburg virus, an Ebola-like infection, just a week after her health minister denied its existence. During a press conference on Monday, President Hassan stated that one case had been confirmed in the north-western Kagera region, expressing confidence in overcoming this health challenge, akin to a previous outbreak experienced two years ago.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had reported several suspected cases earlier, noting nine potential cases and eight deaths in Kagera. However, Health Minister Jenista Mhagama indicated that all tested samples were negative for Marburg. At the recent briefing, President Hassan announced enhanced governmental efforts, including dispatching rapid response teams to monitor suspected cases.
The Marburg virus is highly transmissible, exhibiting symptoms such as fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and often leading to severe hemorrhaging and death. WHO statistics show that the average fatality rate for the virus stands at approximately fifty percent. Besides the confirmed case, health authorities have tested 24 additional individuals with negative outcomes, although the origins of the eight reported deaths remain unclear.
Tanzania’s first encounter with the Marburg virus happened in March 2023, affecting the Bukoba district and resulting in six fatalities over nearly two months. WHO’s director general, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, assessed the global risk from Tanzania’s latest outbreak as low, asserting that while no specific treatments or vaccines exist, effective containment can be achieved. He added that collaboration, rather than restrictions, is favored at this juncture.
The African Union’s Africa CDC reported that over 300 contacts have been identified for further testing, including health workers and those who had direct interactions with suspected cases. The International Health Regulations of 2005 mandates that nations report public health concerns with the potential to cross borders, especially in critical transit hubs like Kagera that connect to neighboring countries. In December, Rwanda successfully declared the conclusion of its outbreak, which had involved 66 infections and 15 deaths.
Transmission of the Marburg virus occurs from fruit bats to humans, subsequently spreading through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Currently, there are no established treatments or vaccines for the virus, although research initiatives are in progress.
The Marburg virus, belonging to the filovirus family, is known for causing severe hemorrhagic fevers similar to Ebola. It is primarily transmitted to humans via fruit bats, with human-to-human transmission occurring through bodily fluids. The virus poses a significant public health risk due to its potential for outbreaks and high fatality rates. Historically, outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa, emphasizing the need for rapid detection, containment, and response strategies. The recent confirmation of cases in Tanzania marks a critical moment for local health authorities and the international community, stressing the importance of collaboration and vigilance in managing infectious diseases around transit hubs.
The confirmation of the Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania underscores the ongoing challenges faced in managing infectious diseases. With one confirmed case and additional suspected cases closely monitored, the government, supported by the WHO and other health organizations, is taking proactive measures to contain the virus. Given the high fatality rate and quick spread of Marburg, rapid response and cooperation among nations are crucial to mitigate the impact of such outbreaks.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
