Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania Claims Eight Lives

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A suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania has resulted in eight fatalities, raising concerns among global health authorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported nine suspected cases of the deadly, Ebola-like virus as of January 11, 2025, in two districts of the Kagera region in northern Tanzania.

While the overall global risk is classified as low, the situation in Tanzania and its neighboring countries is deemed high risk. The symptoms reported among patients include severe headaches, high fevers, back pain, vomiting with blood, diarrhea, and later-stage bleeding.

The WHO warned that the detection and isolation of additional cases, along with ongoing contact tracing efforts, suggest a lack of comprehensive information about the outbreak. Notably, healthcare workers are among those suspected to be infected, indicating the potential for the virus to spread within health facilities.

Kagera shares borders with Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, heightening fears of cross-border transmission due to significant movement between these regions. Although Marburg virus is not easily transmissible without direct contact with infected bodily fluids, the WHO stated that the risk of an infected individual traveling cannot be discounted.

The origins of the outbreak remain unidentified, with investigations underway that involve contact tracing and laboratory testing. Previous outbreaks in Tanzania include one earlier this year, which recorded nine cases and six deaths.

Marburg virus outbreaks are known for their high fatality rates, ranging from 24% to as high as 88%. Health officials monitor cases closely, declaring an outbreak over when 42 days pass without new infections.

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