Tanzania: Marburg Virus Causes Eight Deaths
Tanzania is facing a new outbreak of the Marburg virus (MVD) which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has already caused eight deaths in the Kagera region.
“We are aware of nine cases so far, of which eight people have died.”
“We expect more cases in the coming days as disease surveillance improves.”
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on the social network X. The UN health agency also reported that it has already notified its Member States about the cases. The Kagera region had already faced an initial Marburg outbreak in March 2023, which lasted almost two months and recorded nine cases, six of which resulted in deaths.
At the moment, the risk of a spread wider remains controlledHealth authorities, in collaboration with the WHO and other international partners, are taking swift action to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
New Epidemic?
On 10 January 2025, WHO received credible reports from national sources of suspected MVD cases in the Kagera region. As of 11 January 2025, nine suspected cases had been reported, including eight deaths (89% case fatality rate), in two districts, Biharamulo and Muleba.
The cases presented similar symptoms: headaches, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, hematemesis (vomiting blood), malaise (body weakness) and, in more advanced stages of the disease, external bleeding.
Samples from two patients were collected and analyzed by the national public health laboratory. The results are pending official confirmation. A mobile laboratory has been installed in the Kagera region, and treatment units have reportedly been set up.
“High” Risk in Tanzania
National rapid response teams have been deployed to support investigations and outbreak control efforts. According to the WHO, surveillance activities have been intensified, and contact tracing is ongoing. Contacts, including healthcare workers, have been identified and are being followed in the two affected districts.
The WHO also stated that the risk at the national level is “high” due to several worrying factors, including the fact that:
“The source of the outbreak is still unknown.”
“Healthcare professionals are among the suspected cases, which increases the risk of nosocomial transmission.”
Furthermore, the risk of spread at the regional level was also considered “high” due to “strategic position of Kagera”, a region through which Tanzanians travel towards Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
According to available information, some of the suspected cases are located in districts close to international borders, which highlights the risk of spread to neighboring countries in the Great Lakes region.
Low Global Risk
Although the Kagera region is not close to the Tanzanian capital or major international airports, it is well-served by transportation networks. It has an airport connecting the region to Dar es Salaam, allowing international travel from Tanzania.
However, the WHO considers that “the global risk is currently considered low”, pointing out that “there is no confirmed international spread to date", although "potential risks are cause for concern".
"Based on the current risk assessment, WHO does not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade with Tanzania," the WHO concluded.
The Marburg Virus
With a high mortality rate, Marburg virus is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases ever identified. Causing high fever, often accompanied by severe bleeding and multiple organ damage, it belongs to the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. Both are known for their devastating impact and rapid spread in outbreaks.
Marburg virus was first detected in 1967, in outbreaks in Germany and Serbia, linked to monkeys imported from Africa. Since then, outbreaks have occurred primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, where poor conditions, such as fragile health systems and proximity to the virus's natural habitats, increase the risk of transmission.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or with corpses during traditional funeral ceremonies. Healthcare workers are also at significant risk if inadequate protection is used, which intensifies the severity of outbreaks.
Symptoms begin with high fever, headache, and muscle weakness, but can progress to severe bleeding and multiple organ failure. The mortality rate ranges from 24% to 89%, depending on the quality of medical care provided.
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments for Marburg virus. Treatment consists of supportive care, such as fluid replacement, stabilization of vital signs, and management of complications. This limitation highlights the urgent need to invest in research to develop effective vaccines and specific therapies.
Despite advances in epidemiological surveillance, the presence of natural reservoirs of the virus in fruit bats and human contact with wild habitats continue to pose significant challenges for the control and prevention of Marburg virus.
Conclusion
The Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania represents a stark reminder of the challenges posed by infectious diseases in Africa and around the world. Although the international risk is currently considered low, the WHO and local authorities are working hard to control the situation and prevent further spread.
Strengthening surveillance, contact tracing, and establishing treatment centers are crucial to containing this outbreak. It's equally important that neighboring countries and the international community remain vigilant, providing technical support and resources to address this threat. Combating epidemics requires a coordinated and effective response to protect lives.
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Picture: © Martine Perret
