HQ Team
January 15, 2025: At least eight people have died in Tanzania of suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) and the regional risk is âhigh,â according to a World Health Organization.
As of January 11, 2025, nine suspected cases were reported, including eight deaths across two districts â Biharamulo and Muleba, according to the WHO statement. Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending official confirmation.Â
âContacts, including healthcare workers, are reported to have been identified and under follow-up in both districts.â
The Bukoba district in the Kagera region experienced its first MVD outbreak in March 2023, and zoonotic reservoirs, such as fruit bats, remain endemic to the area. The outbreak in March 2023 lasted for nearly two months with nine cases including six deaths.
Rapid alerts
On January 13, 2025, WHO informed its Member States and IHR State Parties of an outbreak of suspected MVD in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania using its secure web-based platformâthe Event Information Site (EIS).Â
Under the International Health Regulations, the EIS is used to issue rapid alerts to Member States of acute and rapidly developing public health risks and events with possible international implications.
âThe risk of this suspected MVD outbreak is assessed as high at the national level due to several concerning factors. The suspected outbreak thus far involves at least nine suspected cases, including eight deaths, resulting in a high case fatality rate of 89%. Healthcare workers are included among the suspected cases affected, highlighting the risk of nosocomial transmission.Â
âThe source of the outbreak is currently unknown.â
In fatal cases, death occurs most often between 8 and 9 days after symptom onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock.
Cross-birder movement
The regional risk is considered high due to the Kagera region’s strategic location as a transit hub, with significant cross-border movement of the population to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some of the suspected cases are in districts near international borders, highlighting the potential for spread into neighbouring countries.Â
There is no confirmed international spread at this stage, although there are concerns about potential risks. Kagera region, while not close to Tanzania’s capital or major international airports, is well-connected through transportation networks and has an airport that connects to Dar es Salaam for onward travel outside Tanzania by air. The global risk is currently assessed as low by the global health agency.
MVD is not easily transmissible. Human-to-human transmission of Marburg virus is primarily associated with direct contact with the blood and/or other bodily fluids of infected people. in most instances, âHowever, it cannot be excluded that a person exposed to the virus may be travelling.â
Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any travel and trade restrictions with Tanzania.
