Tanzania reports a new outbreak of the Marburg virus, confirmed with one case in Kagera. Last week, WHO indicated an outbreak suspected in Tanzania had led to eight deaths. The Tanzanian government is enhancing measures to manage and contain the situation, drawing on past successes against similar outbreaks.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on Monday the emergence of a new outbreak of the Marburg virus in the country, marking the second occurrence since 2023. During a press briefing in Dodoma, she confirmed that there was one confirmed case, while last week, the World Health Organization indicated that a suspected outbreak had led to eight deaths, a claim not yet verified by Tanzanian officials.
Hassan stated that 26 suspected cases had been tested, with only one resulting as positive, located in the northwestern Kagera region, which shares borders with Uganda and Rwanda. This region experienced Tanzania’s first outbreak of Marburg in March 2023, which lasted nearly two months and resulted in nine cases and six fatalities.
The President expressed confidence in Tanzania’s capacity to manage the outbreak, indicating that efforts are underway to determine the cause of the community deaths that were reported earlier. Concurrently, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus assured that the organization would continue to support Tanzania in controlling the spread of the virus.
Ghebreyesus highlighted Tanzania’s enhanced response efforts, which included improved case detection, establishment of treatment centers, and deployment of mobile laboratories and national teams. He also advised against imposing trade and travel restrictions, citing the global risk level as low and the Tanzanian government’s strong capabilities.
This latest Marburg case follows a month after WHO declared the end of a preceding outbreak in neighboring Rwanda, which had claimed 15 lives. Marburg virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever, with a high transmission rate originating from fruit bats, and presents a dire fatality rate, which can reach up to 90 percent.
The Tanzanian government remains committed to eradicating the outbreak and has underscored its past successes in managing similar health crises. The urgency for public health measures is paramount as the situation develops, especially with Marburg’s potential for rapid spread and associated mortality.
The Marburg virus is a formidable pathogen that induces a hemorrhagic fever, looking similar to Ebola. First discovered in the 1960s, Marburg is transmitted primarily through fruit bats and is known for its alarming fatality rate, often approaching 90 percent. Globally, outbreaks present public health challenges, necessitating rapid response and containment strategies to mitigate spread and protect communities. Tanzania has faced multiple outbreaks, showcasing resilience in its health response capabilities.
The recent confirmation of a new Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania has raised public health concerns within the region. With only one case currently reported and extensive testing underway, the government and WHO are actively working to contain the situation. The emphasis remains on the importance of swift intervention measures to prevent a widespread crisis, particularly given the virus’s severe nature and historical implications for health infrastructure.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
