Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus in the country. This announcement came only a week after Health Minister Jenista Mhagama had denied any cases. The confirmed case was found in the north-western Kagera region after reports of suspected cases.

Speaking at a press conference, President Hassan assured the public that Tanzania would successfully handle this outbreak, just as it did with a similar situation two years ago.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier, on January 14, indicated a possible Marburg outbreak in Tanzania. There were nine suspected cases, resulting in eight deaths in Kagera.

Initially, the health minister stated that all test results for Marburg were negative. However, after further investigation, the government changed its position. President Hassan explained that a rapid response team had been sent to assess the situation, and 24 additional samples were tested. Fortunately, all these samples tested negative.

Marburg is a highly contagious virus similar to Ebola. It causes symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it leads to extreme blood loss, which can be fatal. WHO estimates that the virus has a fatality rate of around 50%.

Although Tanzania has confirmed only one case, the cause of the eight deaths reported by WHO remains uncertain. The country's first Marburg outbreak occurred in March 2023 in the Bukoba district, where six people lost their lives.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the risk of a global spread from Tanzania’s outbreak is low. He pointed out that although there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg, rapid intervention can help contain outbreaks.

The Africa CDC reported that over 300 individuals, including 56 healthcare workers, who had contact with suspected cases are being closely monitored for any symptoms.

The Marburg virus originates from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Although researchers are working on vaccines and treatments, none have been approved yet.

Tanzania’s outbreak follows a similar incident in neighboring Rwanda. In late 2023, Rwanda faced a Marburg outbreak that infected 66 people and resulted in 15 deaths. However, Rwanda declared the outbreak over in December, providing hope that Tanzania’s situation can also be effectively managed.