Tanzania confirms case of Marburg virus disease
4 min read
The Marburg disease detected in Tanzania has a fatality rate as high as 88 per cent. -AP
Tanzania has confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease, marking the second known outbreak of the virus in the country. President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the announcement after laboratory tests revealed that a sample from a patient in the Kagera region tested positive for the deadly virus. The sample was first tested at the Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera, and further confirmation came from Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial capital.
President Hassan stated that other suspected patients, totaling 25 in number, had been tested for the virus but their results came back negative for Marburg, alleviating concerns over a broader outbreak. Marburg virus is a highly infectious disease, and the announcement has understandably raised alarms, especially considering its high fatality rate in untreated cases. However, Hassan emphasized that only one individual tested positive, while the rest of the samples were found to be negative for the virus or other illnesses.
The country had previously been free of confirmed Marburg cases since the first outbreak in March 2023, which also occurred in the Kagera region. Despite this new confirmed case, Tanzanian health authorities have swiftly acted to contain the situation, hoping to prevent further spread. However, the discovery of a new case has brought back memories of last year’s outbreak, prompting the authorities to take immediate steps to manage the outbreak efficiently.
Marburg virus, similar to the Ebola virus, is known for its highly contagious nature, and it can result in a severe and often fatal illness if not treated. Symptoms typically include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can progress to internal bleeding and organ failure in severe cases. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for the disease, and supportive care remains the primary method of management. Prompt medical attention can improve the chances of survival, although the virus is fatal in a majority of cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has weighed in on the situation, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stating that there is currently no need for panic. In his comments, Ghebreyesus highlighted that the global risk of Marburg virus remains low and reassured the public about Tanzania’s readiness to handle the situation. He acknowledged the strong health infrastructure and capabilities of Tanzania and confirmed that there was no need for any trade or travel restrictions to be imposed on the country at this time. His remarks were echoed by President Hassan, who assured citizens and the international community that Tanzania remains open for business despite the outbreak.
Tanzania’s health authorities have been monitoring the situation closely since the initial detection, and preventive measures are in place to ensure that the virus does not spread beyond the current isolated case. Health officials have emphasized the importance of practicing stringent hygiene measures, including proper handling of medical waste and avoidance of direct contact with infected patients, to limit any potential transmission.
Marburg virus is primarily spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal, with fruit bats being a known reservoir for the virus. In previous outbreaks, the disease has been transmitted to humans through exposure to bat caves or through handling infected animals. The spread of the virus can be prevented by avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, maintaining proper hygiene, and following public health advisories issued by authorities.
The Tanzanian government is taking all necessary precautions to contain the disease, including isolating any new suspected cases and increasing surveillance to track potential contacts. Authorities are also working to inform the public about the virus and educate them on how to recognize symptoms and take appropriate actions if they suspect an infection.
While the situation remains under control, the outbreak of Marburg virus in Tanzania is a reminder of the need for heightened vigilance regarding emerging infectious diseases. The country’s health system, along with the support of international partners, is working to prevent the virus from spreading and to protect the population from further harm. The World Health Organization’s guidance and Tanzania’s prompt actions are seen as key to keeping the situation contained, but authorities continue to urge the public to follow safety protocols and report any suspected cases immediately.
As of now, there is no indication of widespread transmission, but health officials remain vigilant, and continued monitoring is essential to ensuring the virus does not escalate into a larger epidemic. With international support and ongoing efforts by the Tanzanian government, authorities are optimistic about preventing further infections and managing the outbreak effectively.
About The Author
