WHO says 8 dead in suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania's Kagera region

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of a suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania's Kagera region, which has infected nine people, eight of whom have died.

This comes just weeks after an outbreak of the same disease was declared over in neighbouring Rwanda.

WHO reported receiving credible information on January 10 about suspected cases of the Marburg virus disease in Kagera.

Initially, six individuals were affected, with five of them succumbing to the virus.

By January 11, the number of suspected cases had increased to nine, including eight deaths, leading to a case fatality rate of 89 per cent.

The outbreak has impacted two districts Biharamulo and Muleba.

WHO said the affected individuals exhibited common symptoms of MVD, including severe headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, hematemesis (vomiting with blood), malaise (body weakness) and, at a later stage of disease, external haemorrhage (bleeding from orifices).

Samples from two patients are currently being tested at Tanzania's national laboratory to confirm the outbreak.

WHO also stated that the contacts of the patients, including healthcare workers, have been identified and are being closely monitored.

"Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending official confirmation," said WHO.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, which borders Tanzania's Kagera region, affected 66 individuals and resulted in 15 deaths before being declared over on December 20, 2024.

The virus can spread through direct contact or via blood and other bodily fluids of infected individuals, including contaminated clothing or bedding.

A previous outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera region in March 2023 claimed six lives and lasted nearly two months.

The outbreak of MVD in Kagera poses a significant health concern not only for Tanzania but also for neighbouring countries, including Kenya.

The global risk is currently assessed as low.

There is no confirmed international spread at this stage, although there are concerns about potential risks.