Tanzania's president announced on Monday that a sample from a remote area in northern Tanzania has tested positive for Marburg disease, a highly infectious virus with a fatality rate of up to 88% without treatment.
The confirmation came after initial reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) of a suspected Marburg outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera region, which had resulted in the deaths of eight individuals. Tanzanian health officials initially disputed these reports but subsequent tests have now confirmed the presence of the virus.
Marburg, similar to Ebola, is believed to originate from fruit bats and can be transmitted among humans through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of Marburg include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, death due to severe blood loss.
The Tanzanian president emphasized that further testing had been conducted, with only one positive case of Marburg identified out of 26 samples. Currently, there is no authorized vaccine or specific treatment for Marburg, highlighting the importance of preventive measures and early detection.
This development underscores the need for heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts to contain the spread of Marburg in Tanzania and prevent further outbreaks. The World Health Organization has been actively involved in supporting Tanzania's response to the virus and providing guidance on containment strategies.
