Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Virus Case in Kagera Region
Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has announced the detection of a confirmed Marburg virus case in the Kagera region, marking the country’s second outbreak of the disease.
“Laboratory tests conducted at Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, 25 other samples tested negative,” President Hassan stated.
This new case comes after the first outbreak of Marburg virus disease was recorded in March 2023 in the same region. The highly infectious disease can cause severe symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and, in some cases, death due to significant blood loss.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reassured the global community, stating there is no current cause for alarm. “Considering the low global risk and the strong capabilities of the Tanzanian government, WHO advises against restrictions on trade and travel to the country. As Her Excellency said, Tanzania is open for business.”
Efforts are now underway to contain the outbreak and prevent further infections, with the government leveraging its strong health capabilities to mitigate the spread.