Kenya has been placed on high alert following the recent Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region, which has resulted in eight confirmed deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning to neighboring countries, urging them to increase surveillance, strengthen response mechanisms, and bolster readiness activities to detect and isolate cases early.
The outbreak, which began in early January 2025, has led to alarming fatalities. On January 10, six individuals in Kagera were confirmed infected, with five of them succumbing to the virus. The symptoms of the disease include severe headaches, fever, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting with blood, body weakness, and in later stages, bleeding from orifices. On January 11, another nine suspected cases were reported, with a staggering 89 percent case fatality ratio.
WHO has recommended that countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique, collaborate closely to harmonize reporting mechanisms and improve surveillance capacities at critical entry points. The organization emphasized the need for effective isolation and treatment facilities to minimize the spread of the virus.
Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for MVD, though several candidate vaccines are being tested. WHO has urged affected regions to implement safe and dignified burial protocols to reduce the risk of community transmission.
To prevent further outbreaks, locals have been advised to avoid close contact with suspected or confirmed patients, and individuals working in areas inhabited by fruit bat colonies should take extra precautions, including wearing gloves and masks. Additionally, animal products from such regions must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
With no vaccine available yet, the importance of vigilance and timely response is critical to managing the outbreak and protecting public health across the region.
