A suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania’s Kagera region has claimed eight lives out of nine reported cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Ebola-like virus, which causes severe symptoms such as high fever, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting blood, and bleeding, has an alarming fatality rate of 89 per cent.
The cases were reported in two districts — Biharamulo and Muleba — as of January 11, 2025. Laboratory results from Tanzania’s National Public Health Laboratory are awaited to confirm the suspected cases.
The Tanzanian government has deployed rapid response teams to investigate and contain the spread. Contact tracing and testing are underway, with a mobile laboratory set up in Kagera to speed up diagnostics. Treatment units have also been established to care for patients and limit further transmission.
Healthcare workers are among those suspected to be infected, highlighting gaps in infection control measures and the risk of transmission in medical facilities. The outbreak has drawn comparisons to a similar incident in March 2023 in Bukoba district, where nine cases and six deaths were reported.
The WHO has classified the outbreak as high-risk for Tanzania and neighbouring countries. Key concerns include the high fatality rate, the geographic spread across two districts, and Kagera’s location near borders with Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In December 2024, neighbouring Rwanda declared the Marburg outbreak to be over, with 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
The region’s role as a transit hub, with connections to Dar es Salaam and neighbouring countries, further increases the risk of the virus spreading across borders, necessitating heightened vigilance and robust preventive measures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided detailed guidance to help curb the spread of Marburg virus disease (MVD). To prevent human-to-human transmission, communities have been strongly advised to avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected or confirmed to have MVD, particularly their bodily fluids.
Those exhibiting symptoms should seek treatment at designated centres to minimise the risk of infecting household members.
The safe handling of deceased individuals is another critical measure. The WHO emphasised the need for professional assistance with burials to prevent further transmission, as improper handling of bodies can pose a risk.
To reduce the likelihood of zoonotic transmission, people have been urged to avoid contact with fruit bats, particularly in caves or mines where they are commonly found. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that all animal products are thoroughly cooked during outbreaks to eliminate potential sources of infection.