Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak Claims Eight Lives in Tanzania

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in Tanzania, which has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals. The organization warned that the risk of further transmission in Tanzania and the surrounding region is deemed 'high.'

On January 15, 2025, the WHO announced that it had communicated with its member states regarding the situation in the Kagera region of Tanzania. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that there are currently nine suspected cases, including the eight fatalities. He indicated that the number of cases is likely to increase as disease surveillance efforts are intensified.

This announcement follows a recent Marburg outbreak in neighboring Rwanda, which lasted over three months and resulted in 15 deaths. Marburg virus disease (MVD) is known for causing severe hemorrhagic fever, with transmission primarily attributed to fruit bats. The virus is closely related to Ebola, and its fatality rate can be as high as 90 percent. Symptoms typically include bleeding and organ failure.

The Kagera region had previously encountered its first Marburg outbreak in March 2023, which lasted nearly two months and resulted in nine cases, including six deaths. The WHO highlighted that zoonotic reservoirs, particularly fruit bats, continue to thrive in the area.

The WHO has assessed the national risk as 'high,' citing several factors of concern. These include the high fatality rate associated with the virus, the unknown source of the current outbreak, and reports of cases from multiple districts, indicating potential geographic spread.

Further complicating the situation, delayed detection and isolation of cases, along with ongoing contact tracing, have led to a lack of comprehensive information regarding the outbreak. Additionally, the WHO has indicated that the regional risk is also 'high' due to Kagera's strategic position as a transit hub, facilitating significant cross-border movement between Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Some suspected cases have been reported in districts adjacent to international borders, raising concerns about the possible spread of the virus to neighboring nations. The WHO has urged these countries to remain vigilant and prepare for potential cases while clarifying that there are currently no recommendations for travel or trade restrictions involving Tanzania.

While Marburg is not easily transmitted and typically requires direct contact with the bodily fluids of symptomatic patients, the WHO has acknowledged that the possibility of a person carrying the virus traveling across borders cannot be entirely ruled out. The global risk level has been assessed as 'low' due to the absence of confirmed international spread at this time, although enhanced surveillance is strongly advised.