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Healthcare Alerts | Infectious Diseases | Marburg Disease
Situation Update: Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Outbreak in Tanzania Confirmed
Time to read: 01:00
Published on MedED: 19 January 2025
Keywords: WHO, Marburg, Tanzania, disease outbreak, infectious diseases
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Situation Update: 20 January 2025, 07:35
Tanzania today confirmed the outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after the case under investigation tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis.
For more watch the WHO Press Conference
19 January 2025, 09:30
On 13 January 2025, WHO alerted Member States to a suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in the Kagera region of Tanzania via its Event Information Site (EIS).Initial reports received on 10 January 2025 indicated six suspected cases, with five fatalities. Symptoms included headache, fever, diarrhoea, haematemesis, malaise, and, in later stages, external haemorrhage. As of 11 January, nine suspected cases, including eight deaths (CFR 89%), were reported across Biharamulo and Muleba districts. Samples are under testing, and contact tracing is ongoing.
Kagera previously experienced an MVD outbreak in March 2023, with nine cases and six deaths. Zoonotic reservoirs like fruit bats remain endemic.
Response and Risk Assessment
National rapid response teams have intensified surveillance and contact tracing. Treatment units are established, and a mobile laboratory is operational. WHO assesses the national and regional risks as high due to geographic spread, delayed detection, and cross-border movement.
Proximity to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC heightens the risk of international spread. However, global risk remains low, with no confirmed cases outside Tanzania.
Enhanced surveillance, case management at borders, and regional coordination are critical to preventing further spread. Further updates will follow pending test results and ongoing investigations.
Access the original press release
14 January 2024 | WHO | Outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease - United Republic of Tanzania
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