Tanzania has confirmed a new outbreak of the Marburg virus, with one positive case identified in the Kagera region. President Samia Suluhu Hassan stated that 26 suspected cases were tested, with efforts ongoing to determine the cause of earlier reported deaths. The World Health Organization pledges support, while advising against travel restrictions due to low global risk.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced a new outbreak of the Marburg virus during a press briefing in Dodoma on Monday. This confirmed case marks the second outbreak in Tanzania since 2023, following reports of a suspected outbreak that had resulted in eight deaths. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) identified these fatalities, the Tanzanian government has yet to validate that information, focusing instead on the confirmed case of a patient with the virus.
The patient has been located in the Kagera region, which is adjacent to Uganda and Rwanda. To date, a total of 26 suspected cases have been examined, with only one returning a positive result for the Marburg virus. The Kagera region previously experienced Tanzania’s first documented Marburg outbreak earlier in March 2023, lasting nearly two months and resulting in nine confirmed cases, including six deaths.
President Hassan reassured the public of Tanzania’s commitment to containing the virus, recalling past successes in handling similar outbreaks. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is currently visiting Dodoma, affirmed the organization’s ongoing support to effectively manage the situation. In response to the outbreak, Tanzania has intensified measures such as enhancing detection, establishing treatment centers, and deploying rapid response teams.
Despite the emergence of this case, the WHO advises against imposing travel and trade restrictions on Tanzania. The agency describes the global risk as low, citing the Tanzanian government’s strong response capabilities. This latest outbreak follows closely on the heels of Rwanda’s recent Marburg outbreak, which concluded a month prior and resulted in 15 fatalities.
The Marburg virus is known for causing a highly infectious type of hemorrhagic fever, with transmission occurring primarily from fruit bats. This virus, which is closely related to Ebola, has an alarming fatality rate that can reach up to 90 percent, with symptoms often including severe bleeding and organ failure. The situation in Tanzania remains a focus for health authorities as they work to prevent further spread.
The Marburg virus is a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. It causes severe hemorrhagic fever, transmitted primarily from fruit bats, with a high fatality rate making outbreaks extremely concerning. The recent confirmation of a case in Tanzania follows earlier claims of a suspected outbreak that resulted in reported deaths. Given Tanzania’s previous experience with outbreaks, the government and health organizations are working diligently to mitigate the current situation as it develops.
In conclusion, Tanzania is facing a renewed challenge with a confirmed outbreak of the Marburg virus, which authorities are striving to contain. The situation is under close observation by both the Tanzanian government and the WHO. Efforts are ongoing to investigate the source of infection and manage public health effectively, building on past experiences to prevent a larger crisis.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
