Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak Claims Eight Lives in Tanzania

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A suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, raising alarm among global health leaders. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported nine suspected cases of the virus as of January 11, 2025, concentrated in two districts of the Kagera region in northern Tanzania.

While the global risk from this outbreak is categorized as low, the risk within Tanzania and its neighboring countries is deemed high. Symptoms reported among patients include severe headaches, high fevers, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding, which culminate in a staggering fatality rate of 89%. The WHO also noted that healthcare workers are among the suspected cases, indicating a potential transmission within medical facilities.

Kagera, which shares borders with Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, could face further spread due to significant cross-border movement. The WHO has cautioned that, despite the virus not being easily transmitted, the possibility of individuals carrying the virus traveling to neighboring areas cannot be ruled out.

The origin of the current outbreak remains unidentified, with ongoing investigations and contact tracing efforts taking place. Previous outbreaks have often linked back to human contact with fruit bats, which are known to be carriers of the virus. Tanzania experienced another Marburg outbreak in 2023 in the same region, resulting in nine cases and six fatalities.

The declaration of an outbreak is made when 42 days have passed after the last confirmed patient tests negative for the virus.

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