Tanzania's Health Minister announced that thorough inspections cleared the nation of a suspected Marburg outbreak, despite WHO warnings of further cases.
Tanzania Refutes Marburg Outbreak Claims Following WHO Alert
Tanzania Refutes Marburg Outbreak Claims Following WHO Alert
Tanzania has denied reports of a suspected Marburg outbreak, asserting all test samples were negative.
In light of a recent alert from the World Health Organisation (WHO) concerning a suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in Tanzania, the Tanzanian government has firmly rejected these claims. The WHO reported nine suspected cases in the northwestern Kagera region, with eight fatalities, sparking concerns about a potential health crisis.
However, Health Minister Jenista Mhagama stated that all samples taken had tested negative for Marburg virus. The minister reassured that the country has bolstered its disease surveillance and monitoring efforts, pledging to keep international health organizations informed of any developments.
Tanzania had faced its first Marburg outbreak earlier in March 2023, which originated in Bukoba district, resulting in six deaths over a span of nearly two months. Marburg is known for its high infectivity and symptoms akin to Ebola, including fever, muscle aches, and severe gastrointestinal distress, often leading to death through substantial blood loss.
Following the WHO's alert, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated a concern for further cases emerging as monitoring intensifies in the region. The WHO has identified patients and healthcare personnel for close observation.
Regarding the perceived risk of the virus spreading, the WHO reported it remains elevated due to Kagera's status as a transit hub connecting several countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nonetheless, Dr. Tedros communicated there are no current travel or trade restrictions advised and categorized the overall global risk as "low."
In response to the WHO's awareness of the situation, Tanzania's health authorities dispatched expert teams to Kagera to gather specimens. While the laboratory results have dismissed the outbreak concerns, the minister did not clarify the total number of suspected cases sent for analysis.
Last December, Rwanda reported an end to its own Marburg outbreak, which had affected 66 individuals and resulted in 15 deaths. Typically, the Marburg virus carries a lethality of around 50% of those infected and is transmitted primarily from fruit bats and through contact with infected bodily fluids. Currently, there are no definitive treatments or vaccines available, though research trials are ongoing.
