By : Lloyd Mahachi
A suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in northwest Tanzania has infected nine people, killing eight, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This alarming development comes just weeks after neighboring Rwanda declared its own outbreak of the deadly virus officially over.
The Marburg virus is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of up to 88%. It is closely related to Ebola, and both viruses are endemic to East Africa. They are believed to be transmitted to humans through fruit bats, which are common in the region.
The recent Tanzanian outbreak has been reported in the Kagera region, which shares a border with Rwanda. The WHO confirmed it received reports of the suspected cases on January 10. Symptoms among patients include headache, high fever, muscle weakness, back pain, vomiting blood, and severe external bleeding.
These symptoms are similar to those experienced by patients in Rwanda during its recent outbreak. The Rwanda outbreak, which ended on December 20, infected 66 people and claimed 15 lives. Its proximity to Tanzania’s Kagera region heightens concerns about cross-border transmission.
Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials like bedding and clothing. This underscores the need for swift containment measures to prevent further spread of the virus. Healthcare workers are at particular risk, and the WHO has advised them to apply additional infection prevention and control measures.
These measures include avoiding contact with patients’ blood and other body fluids, wearing personal protective equipment, and ensuring proper disposal of contaminated materials. The WHO has also recommended strengthening surveillance and detection activities, including contact tracing and active case finding.
The recurrence of Marburg virus cases in Tanzania’s Kagera region is a concern, as it underscores the virus’s persistent threat. Rwanda’s ability to end its outbreak highlights the importance of coordinated public health responses. Both Rwanda and Tanzania face the ongoing challenge of controlling infectious diseases in areas where health infrastructure is often limited.
The WHO is working closely with Tanzanian authorities to confirm the outbreak and mitigate its spread. With Rwanda recently emerging from its own crisis, regional cooperation will be critical in addressing the Marburg virus and safeguarding public health in East Africa.
Regional cooperation is essential in sharing information, coordinating responses, and providing support to affected areas. The WHO has encouraged all countries to ship samples to a WHO Collaborating Center for confirmation, which will help to ensure accurate diagnosis and prompt response.
Raising awareness of the risk factors for Marburg infection and the protective measures that individuals can take to reduce human exposure to the virus are key measures to reduce human infections and deaths. This includes avoiding contact with fruit bats, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and practicing good hygiene.
The WHO has also recommended that countries strengthen their preparedness and response capacities, including enhancing surveillance, contact tracing, and laboratory capacity. This will help to ensure that any future outbreaks are quickly detected and responded to, reducing the risk of spread and saving lives.
In addition to these measures, the WHO has emphasized the importance of community engagement and participation in outbreak response efforts. This includes working with local leaders, community groups, and healthcare workers to raise awareness, promote safe practices, and provide support to affected individuals and families.
By working together, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other affected countries can contain the spread of the Marburg virus and protect public health. The WHO will continue to provide technical support, guidance, and coordination to support these efforts and ensure a robust response to this outbreak.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi