Tanzania has confirmed its first case of the highly infectious Marburg virus in the northwestern Kagera region, prompting an immediate response from both national and international health authorities. The confirmation was announced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on January 20, 2025, during a press briefing in Dodoma, alongside WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This announcement followed initial reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding nine suspected cases and eight deaths in the region, which had previously been denied by Tanzanian authorities.
The Marburg virus, which is related to Ebola, is known for its high fatality rate, which can reach up to 88 percent depending on the availability of medical care. The virus is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and in some cases, hemorrhaging. Laboratory tests confirmed one positive case in Tanzania’s Biharamulo District, while other suspected cases have tested negative. Over 300 people, including healthcare workers who had been in contact with the confirmed case, are now under observation.
In her address, President Hassan reassured both the Tanzanian public and the international community of the government’s commitment to addressing the outbreak. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around,” she stated, referencing Tanzania’s successful management of a previous outbreak in 2023. The government has mobilized resources and set up enhanced surveillance, testing, and rapid response teams in the affected areas.
The WHO has pledged $3 million in emergency funds to support Tanzania’s efforts in controlling the outbreak. These funds will help with the provision of medical supplies, strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, and deploying response teams to contain the virus. Dr. Tedros, the WHO Director-General, emphasized the organization’s commitment to assisting Tanzania in bringing the outbreak under control and ensuring a healthier and safer future for the country. He also acknowledged the importance of transparency in addressing such health threats and reiterated the WHO’s continued support for the Tanzanian government.
Neighboring countries, particularly Kenya, have heightened their surveillance efforts due to concerns about potential cross-border transmission. Although no cases have been reported in Kenya, the country’s Ministry of Health has declared a “high risk” status and is conducting readiness assessments to ensure the country is prepared in the event of an outbreak. The Kenyan government is closely monitoring the situation in Tanzania, especially given the movement of people between the two countries.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised Tanzania’s swift and transparent response to the outbreak. She emphasized the importance of early detection, containment measures, and collaboration between countries to prevent the spread of the virus across borders. “The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” she said.
This outbreak follows a similar one in Rwanda, where the Ministry of Health confirmed 27 cases of the Marburg virus last October, resulting in nine deaths. The majority of infections in Rwanda were among healthcare workers, highlighting the heightened risk faced by those on the front lines of the healthcare system. In response, the Rwandan government implemented strict measures, including restrictions on funeral attendance and enhanced hygiene protocols, to curb the spread of the virus.
The Tanzanian government’s efforts to contain the Marburg virus outbreak have been supported by both domestic and international health organizations, with a focus on strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure, providing necessary medical supplies, and ensuring that rapid response teams are deployed to the affected regions. The ongoing collaboration between the Tanzanian government, the WHO, and neighboring countries is vital in preventing further spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of the public.
As the situation develops, Tanzania remains on high alert, with continued surveillance and monitoring of over 300 individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The international community, including the WHO and neighboring countries, is working together to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further.
