Following the death of five persons by the Marburg virus in Tanzania’s neighbor, Kenya, and Uganda have intensified surveillance along their border with that nation.
The fatal Ebola-like virus frequently causes high fever, which is followed by hemorrhage and organ failure.
At its southern frontier, Uganda has mandated quick screening and testing. Moreover, health teams have been placed on high alert at border crossings in the Kyotera and Isingiro districts.
Patrick Amoth, director general of Kenya’s health department, has urged the public to report any odd spike in the number of patients with a high fever who have recently visited Tanzania.
The northwestern Kagera region of Tanzania, which sees heavy human traffic with western Kenya, is where the epidemic there was first discovered.
About 161 contacts have been located and are being kept track of. Authorities are currently looking for more people.
Five of the eight people who tested positive for the illness have passed away. One family accounts for four of them.
The World Health Organization applauded Tanzania’s approach to containing the outbreak (WHO).
According to the WHO, the Marburg virus typically kills 50% of individuals who contract it.
The virus enters humans through fruit bats and spreads between people through the exchange of body fluids.
Despite the lack of immunizations or therapies, persons who have been diagnosed are given water intravenously or orally by doctors while they address their unique symptoms.
