By Editor:
Since the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak was declared on 20 January 2025 in Tanzania, the Ministry of Health has reported one additional confirmed death in Biharamulo District, Kagera Region. As of 10 February 2025, the outbreak has resulted in a total of 10 cases—two confirmed and eight probable—all of whom have died.
The Ministry of Health has completed a 21-day follow-up for 281 identified contacts. A national response plan has been implemented, with a rapid response team deployed to Biharamulo to manage the outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners are providing technical and operational support.
According to WHO, the first case, a female adult, developed symptoms on 9 December 2024 and died on 16 December, all 10 cases were reported in Biharamulo District. The median age of cases was 30 years, ranging from 1 to 75 years of the 10 cases, 70% (7) were female.
The statement said, no new confirmed or probable cases have been reported since the last confirmed case’s safe burial on 28 January 2025.
Between 20 January and 10 February, 90 suspected cases were tested, all of which were negative for MVD.
The WHO stated that, MVD is a highly virulent disease similar to Ebola, caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the Filoviridae family. It spreads through; direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or tissues of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, including bedding and clothing.
Healthcare settings if infection prevention measures are inadequate.
Burial practices that involve direct contact with the deceased.
Symptoms appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure and include:
Sudden high fever, severe headache, and fatigue.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea.
In severe cases, bleeding from multiple body sites.
Fatal cases typically succumb to blood loss and shock within 8–9 days.
There is no approved vaccine or treatment for MVD, though several candidates are under investigation.
Surveillance & Contact Tracing: Active case detection, contact monitoring, and border screening at key points of entry, including Bukoba Airport.
Case Management & Infection Control: A Marburg Treatment Unit has been upgraded with improved triage and patient care facilities. Healthcare workers are being trained in infection prevention and control.
Laboratory Testing: A mobile lab in Kabaile is ensuring rapid diagnosis, with samples also sent to Dar es Salaam for further testing and genomic sequencing.
Community Engagement & Awareness: Public health campaigns, door-to-door outreach, and engagement with local leaders to promote safe practices and early healthcare-seeking behavior.
Cross-Border Coordination: Meetings with Uganda and Burundi to strengthen regional preparedness and response.
WHO has provided four viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) kits to support outbreak containment.
WHO attributed the National Risk due to high outbreak’s fatality rate (100%), the involvement of healthcare workers, and the unknown source of infection.
It said that the Regional Risk is also high, as Kagera is a transit hub with cross-border movement to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
While according to WHO the Global Risk is low at present, but enhanced surveillance is necessary due to travel connections through Dar es Salaam.
WHO, advises the general public to avoiding direct contact with MVD patients or deceased individuals, Seek medical care immediately for suspected cases, strengthening infection control measures in healthcare facilities.
Other measures to minimize transmission according to WHO, include, sing protective gear when working in high-risk environments like caves and mines, ensuring safe and dignified burials to prevent further spread.
WHO continues to work with Tanzania and neighboring countries to strengthen preparedness and outbreak response measures.
