The African Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has expressed its readiness to support Tanzania and other countries in the region following the identification of suspected cases of Marburg Virus Disease. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) had issued an alert regarding a potential outbreak in Tanzania, the country’s Ministry of Health has clarified that laboratory tests on samples from suspected individuals returned negative results for Marburg.
As of January 15, 2025, Tanzanian Health Minister Jenista Mhagama confirmed that all suspected cases tested negative for the virus, which would have marked the country’s second encounter with Marburg, a highly infectious disease. The first outbreak in Tanzania occurred in 2023 in the Kagera region, which is suspected to have been the origin of the current cases. Marburg Virus Disease, known for its high mortality rate, has already caused significant loss of life in neighboring Rwanda, where over a dozen people succumbed to the disease.
Despite the negative test results, the Africa CDC remains vigilant and prepared to assist Tanzania and other nations in the region with the monitoring and control of infectious diseases. The organization’s Director General, Jean Kaseya, emphasized the importance of continued surveillance and cooperation between countries to prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens like Marburg.
In addition to the Marburg situation, the Africa CDC has raised ongoing concerns about the Mpox virus, which remains a significant public health issue across the continent. Mpox, which was responsible for an outbreak in 20 countries by December 2024, continues to spread, with Sierra Leone recently reporting its first confirmed cases. As of January 10, 2025, Sierra Leonean health authorities confirmed two cases of Mpox, and efforts are underway to trace individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
The Mpox outbreak has already resulted in thousands of confirmed cases across Africa, particularly in Central Africa, and more than 1,000 deaths. Given the scale of the crisis, Kaseya stressed the urgent need to enhance testing and response efforts. He called for greater deployment of epidemiologists and community health workers to areas considered hot spots for infectious diseases. These measures are seen as essential in controlling the spread of Mpox and other infectious diseases that continue to pose a threat to public health.
The Africa CDC’s commitment to addressing these health challenges is a crucial part of the continent’s broader efforts to strengthen its response to emerging infectious diseases. By increasing surveillance, improving testing capacity, and providing technical support to affected countries, the organization aims to mitigate the impact of these diseases and prevent further outbreaks.
As the situation evolves, the Africa CDC continues to monitor developments closely and collaborate with national health authorities to ensure that adequate resources and expertise are available to tackle both Marburg and Mpox. The goal is to protect public health and prevent the spread of these deadly diseases, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
