On January 13, 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania’s Kagera region through the secure event information site (EIS) system. The EIS is applied by the International Health Regulations (IHR) to facilitate rapid information for member states on the acute and rapidly progressive public health risks and events that may carry potential consequences for other countries.
WHO notified that the suspected Marburg outbreak started in Tanzania’s Kagera region with 6 confirmed cases and 5 deaths as of 10 January 2025. As of January 11, Biharamulo and Muleba districts had an overall case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89%, with 9 suspected cases and 8 fatalities. Symptoms like headache, fever, lack of appetite, diarrhea, haematemesis, and bleeding occur at the later stages of MVD.
Two patients’ samples have been analyzed by the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL); the results are still pending MDV confirmation. Healthcare personnel should identify and monitor these cases in both areas. In March 2023, the first MVD epidemic occurred in Bukoba, Kagera, where fruit bats are endemic zoonotic reservoirs.
The regional risk of cross-border MVD transmission was high in Kagera’s region and international borders including Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The risk is low globally, with no international spread reported, but Kagera’s transport links highlight the need for vigilance.
WHO suggests reducing and controlling the transmission of MVD by following these suggestions: Reduce exposure to direct contact or proximity with an infected person and body fluids. Segregation of suspected cases or confirmed with MVD in specific centers for treatment will reduce further transmission.
Protective gear like gloves and masks should be used for minimal exposure to the colonies of fruit bats, especially in mines or caves. Avoid handling any raw animal products, including meat and blood, which are sources of infection, during outbreaks.
Risk communication and community engagement are essential for raising public awareness of symptoms, risks, protective measures, and the importance of seeking care while correcting misinformation. Active case detection, contact tracing, and community-based systems must strengthen surveillance, focusing on monitoring high-risk people and places, especially at border points.
The WHO Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures are applied: personal protective equipment (PPE), good hygiene practices, waste management, safe water supply, and safe sanitation facilities at health care facilities. Laboratory testing including expedited sample analysis and genomic sequencing is critical for identifying containment and treatment. Several awareness programs should be conducted regarding symptoms, risk factors, protective measures, and safe and dignified burials. Cases should have appropriate isolation facilities, supportive care, and mental health support to make better improvements and bring less burden on patients as well as their families.
Reference: World Health Organization. Disease Outbreak News; Outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease in the United Republic of Tanzania. Published January 14, 2024. Accessed January 17, 2025. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON552
