Marburg virus outbreak: Eight dead in Tanzania raises alarm
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported eight deaths in Tanzania, likely caused by the Marburg virus. The risk of the disease spreading in the region is assessed as high.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that eight people have died in Tanzania, likely due to infection with the Marburg virus. The risk of this highly fatal disease spreading in Tanzania and neighboring countries is considered high.
According to the Polish Press Agency, on January 11th, nine potential cases of hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus were recorded in two districts of the Kagera region in northwestern Tanzania. Eight of these individuals have died, resulting in a mortality rate of 89%.
We are aware of nine cases so far, including eight people who have died. We would expect further cases in coming days as disease surveillance improves – wrote WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the X service.
Risk of the virus spreading
The risk of further spread of the disease in the country and the region is high, especially considering the movement of people through the Kagera region to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some reported cases have been detected near the borders of these countries.
WHO assessed the global threat as low, emphasizing that no cases have been confirmed in other countries so far.
The Marburg virus, like Ebola, is transmitted to humans from fruit bats. It can be transmitted between humans through contact with bodily fluids of infected or deceased persons. It can also be contracted through contact with contaminated surfaces and materials.
The mortality rate for the disease is very high and can exceed 88%. Currently, there is no approved vaccine against this virus. Symptomatic treatment is implemented in cases of Marburg virus infection.
