Tanzania confirms Marburg virus outbreak in Kagera Region

Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region following a positive case identified through laboratory testing of suspected patients.

This was announced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in a press briefing alongside WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus in Dodoma on Monday.

“Laboratory tests conducted in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the other suspected cases tested negative,” President Hassan confirmed. She reassured the public, stating that Tanzania has successfully managed similar outbreaks in the past and is determined to contain this one.

Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent hemorrhagic fever virus closely related to Ebola. It spreads to humans through fruit bat exposure and contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and hemorrhaging, typically within a week of infection. While there is no licensed treatment or vaccine, supportive care such as rehydration can improve survival rates.

As of January 20, 2025, 25 suspected cases have been reported, all of whom have tested negative. The cases were primarily located in Biharamulo district within the Kagera region.

WHO has been actively supporting Tanzanian authorities, assisting in disease surveillance, testing, and infection prevention. Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of collaboration and swift action to prevent further spread. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, stressed the need for rapid response to safeguard public health.

Tanzania previously faced a Marburg outbreak in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths. In response to this new threat, the Africa CDC has mobilized a team of twelve public health experts to support the ongoing response, committing US$2 million to strengthen surveillance, diagnostics, and case management efforts.