
Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious and deadly virus related to Ebola. This outbreak was declared in the northwestern Kagera region, following the detection of one confirmed case through laboratory testing. This confirmation came after a series of investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of Marburg virus disease. The news came as a shock, as just a week earlier, Tanzania’s health minister had publicly denied the presence of any Marburg virus cases in the country.
Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the official announcement on January 20, 2025, marking the nation’s second Marburg outbreak in recent years. The first outbreak was reported in March 2023 in the same Kagera region, where a total of nine cases were identified, including six deaths. The new outbreak, however, presents an added concern for local and international health authorities, as the disease has a high mortality rate and can spread quickly in the community.
President Hassan addressed the nation during a press briefing in Dodoma, the country’s administrative capital, alongside Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). The President assured the public that the government was taking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. She also expressed confidence in the country’s ability to manage the crisis, citing the success of previous containment efforts during similar outbreaks.
As of January 20, 2025, a total of 25 suspected cases of Marburg virus disease had been reported. These cases are being closely monitored by health authorities, and all individuals who tested negative are currently under observation. The suspected cases were identified in Biharamulo district, part of the Kagera region, and authorities are continuing to investigate additional possible infections.
Laboratory tests were initially conducted at the Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera, where one patient was confirmed to be infected with the Marburg virus. Additional testing at a facility in Dar es Salaam confirmed the diagnosis. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the outbreak. Nevertheless, health officials are remaining vigilant, as the virus is known for its rapid onset and ability to spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
Marburg Virus Disease: A Deadly Threat
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal illness that causes hemorrhagic fever, which is similar to Ebola. The virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Germany and Serbia. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in several African countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda.
The virus is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with infected fruit bats, which are considered the natural hosts of the Marburg virus. Humans can also become infected through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person, such as blood, vomit, and urine. The virus can spread quickly in healthcare settings, where inadequate infection control measures can facilitate transmission.
Patients infected with Marburg virus initially present with flu-like symptoms, including high fever, headache, and fatigue. Within a few days, they may develop more severe symptoms, including bleeding from the eyes, nose, gums, and other mucous membranes, which is why the disease is often referred to as “bleeding eye disease.” This bleeding, coupled with the rapid onset of symptoms, makes the disease highly deadly. The disease progresses quickly, and without medical intervention, it can result in death within a week of infection.
WHO’s Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the significant challenges that Tanzania faces in managing the outbreak but emphasized the importance of international collaboration. “Now is a time for collaboration and commitment to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania and the region,” he said. Dr. Tedros reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Tanzanian health officials in controlling the outbreak through enhanced surveillance, treatment, and public awareness efforts.
Tanzania’s Response and Measures Taken
Tanzania’s government, in collaboration with WHO and other international partners, has already implemented a series of response measures to control the outbreak. These include the establishment of specialized teams to monitor and contain the spread of the virus, as well as intensive testing and contact tracing to identify potential cases. Health authorities have also worked to educate local communities on the importance of hygiene and the prevention of infection, especially in healthcare settings.
One of the critical components of the response is ensuring that all healthcare workers are protected from potential exposure to the virus. Protective measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the establishment of isolation units for suspected patients, are essential in preventing the spread of the virus in medical facilities.
Despite these efforts, the lack of a specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus remains a major challenge in controlling the outbreak. WHO has emphasized the importance of providing supportive care to infected patients, including rehydration through intravenous fluids, which has been shown to improve survival rates. Early detection and supportive care are critical in increasing the chances of survival for those infected.
WHO is also working with Tanzanian health authorities to strengthen disease surveillance systems, particularly in high-risk areas. This includes improving the capacity to rapidly detect and confirm new cases, as well as enhancing the ability to trace contacts and prevent the spread of the virus to other regions.
The Importance of Early Detection and Community Awareness
One of the most crucial aspects of controlling the Marburg virus outbreak is ensuring that people are aware of the disease’s symptoms and seek medical help as soon as possible. Early detection of cases is vital in preventing the virus from spreading further. Public health campaigns and community engagement are essential to encourage people to report suspected cases and practice preventive measures.
In addition to community awareness, there is also a focus on improving access to healthcare services in affected areas. Ensuring that healthcare facilities have the necessary resources to manage suspected and confirmed cases of Marburg virus, as well as providing training to healthcare workers on proper infection control protocols, are key to reducing transmission.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the importance of a swift response to Marburg outbreaks. She emphasized that “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.”
Challenges in Controlling Marburg Virus
While Tanzania’s response has been swift and robust, several challenges remain in controlling the Marburg virus outbreak. One of the main obstacles is the lack of a proven vaccine or antiviral treatment for the disease. Unlike other viral infections, where vaccines and antiviral drugs can provide significant protection and treatment, the Marburg virus currently lacks such options. This leaves healthcare workers with limited tools to combat the disease.
In addition to the lack of medical interventions, there are logistical challenges in containing the outbreak. Tanzania’s Kagera region is relatively remote, and access to healthcare services can be difficult. This poses a challenge in terms of both patient care and disease surveillance, as timely testing and treatment are critical in managing outbreaks of this nature.
Furthermore, the Marburg virus’s high fatality rate, coupled with its ability to spread quickly through human contact, makes it a particularly dangerous threat in densely populated areas and healthcare settings. Ensuring that hospitals are equipped to handle cases and prevent the spread of the virus within medical facilities is essential in limiting the outbreak’s impact.
The Global Threat of Marburg Virus
Marburg virus is not only a concern for Tanzania but also for other countries in the region and beyond. Previous outbreaks in Africa have shown how quickly the virus can spread across borders. Neighboring countries must remain vigilant and prepare for potential cases of Marburg virus, particularly as the outbreak in Tanzania unfolds.
WHO and other international health organizations are closely monitoring the situation and providing support to countries in the region to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes providing technical assistance, facilitating the exchange of information, and ensuring that resources are available to affected countries.
Despite the challenges posed by the Marburg virus, the international community has shown its commitment to supporting Tanzania and other affected countries. Collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities is essential in preventing the virus from becoming a global pandemic.