Minister for health Jane Ruth Aceng said that following the notification from the world health organisation about the Marburg outbreak in the Republic of Tanzania, the ministry has classified five districts as immediate high risk. These include; Kyotera, Isingiro, Rakai, Kalangala, and Ntungamo.
Speaking to journalists. Dr. Aceng noted that they have heightened points of entry surveillance, Active case search, and public health communication in these districts. ‘’We are aware that in addition to cross border movements, through the designated points of entry, there is rapid movements in the non-designated points of entry.’’ Minister said.
She added that the ministry is advising the population to remain calm especially those in districts mentioned. ”They should remain vigilant, and report any individual with signs and symptoms consistent with Murburg and suspicious deaths to the nearest facility, the ministry will monitor the situation and will provide the timely updates.”She noted.
As of 14th January 2025, nine people were reported to have been affected, eight of whom unfortunately lost their lives in the republic of Tanzania.
Outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease in United Republic of Tanzania (source, WHO website)
On 13 January 2025, WHO informed its Member States and IHR State Parties of an outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania using our secure web-based platform—the Event Information Site (EIS). Under the International Health Regulations, the EIS is used to issue rapid alerts to Member States of acute and rapidly developing public health risks and events with possible international implications.
Summary of the situation
On 10 January 2025, WHO received reliable reports from in-country sources regarding suspected cases of MVD in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania. Six people were reported to have been affected, five of whom had died. The cases presented with similar symptoms of headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, haematemesis (vomiting with blood), malaise (body weakness) and, at a later stage of disease, external haemorrhage (bleeding from orifices).
As of 11 January 2025, nine suspected cases were reported including eight deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89%) across two districts – Biharamulo and Muleba. Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending official confirmation. Contacts, including healthcare workers, are reported to have been identified and under follow-up in both districts.
The Bukoba district in Kagera region experienced its first MVD outbreak in March 2023, and zoonotic reservoirs, such as fruit bats, remain endemic to the area. The outbreak in March 2023 lasted for nearly two months with nine cases including six deaths.
