The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that eight people have died and nine cases have been recorded from a possible epidemic of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in northern Tanzania. The fact that the epidemic has been found in two districts in the Kagera region raises concerns about its potential geographic expansion.
“As disease surveillance improves, we would expect additional cases in the coming days,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Although the global danger is still low, the epidemic has been categorized as high-risk at the national and regional levels.
Signs and Progression
Without treatment, the mortality rate from Marburg virus sickness, which is brought on by a virus that is related to Ebola, can reach 88%. Direct contact with body fluids, contaminated surfaces, or diseased people can spread the illness from fruit bats to humans. The symptoms of the virus include high fever, intense headache, great exhaustion, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, bleeding from many orifices. The virus can incubate for two to twenty-one days.
Current Situation of the Outbreak
This epidemic comes after a comparable incident that claimed 15 lives and led in 66 confirmed cases in neighboring Rwanda in 2024. In 2023, a Marburg epidemic also struck the Tanzanian Kagera district, killing six people. Gaps in the region’s monitoring and response mechanisms are highlighted by the current outbreak’s delayed case isolation and discovery.
No Vaccine or Approved Treatment
As of right now, there are no licensed antiviral medications or vaccinations to prevent Marburg virus sickness. Nonetheless, a number of investigational therapies are being developed.
In order to control the epidemic, the WHO has underlined the significance of contact tracing, supportive treatment, and early isolation.
