Tanzania has reported nine deaths linked to the Marburg virus, a highly infectious disease with a staggering fatality rate. Africa’s health agency, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), revealed this alarming update during a briefing. Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) had reported eight suspected deaths. This marks Tanzania’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the 2023 outbreak that claimed six lives. Despite these figures, Tanzanian authorities have yet to provide updated fatality statistics.
Ngashi Ngongo, Africa CDC’s chief of staff, described the situation as grim, stating, “The very high case fatality of Marburg is reflected in these numbers.” He added that teams, including experts who recently tackled an outbreak in neighboring Rwanda, are actively working on the ground. “We are doing everything we can with WHO and all the partners,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Tracking the Virus and Managing Contacts
Efforts to curb the spread are underway, with 281 people identified as contacts being closely monitored. Testing has revealed two confirmed cases, while 29 others have tested negative. While Africa CDC praised the efficiency of the contact-tracing measures, Ngongo acknowledged discrepancies in reported numbers, asserting, “We trust the results.”
Tanzania’s government has proposed a $10.8 million response plan, signaling its commitment to combating the outbreak. However, the Africa CDC awaits further details and official requests for support from the government.
The Lethal Threat of Marburg Virus
The Marburg virus belongs to the same family as Ebola and is transmitted from fruit bats to humans. Its effects are devastating, with a fatality rate reaching up to 90 percent. The disease causes haemorrhagic fever, often accompanied by severe bleeding and organ failure, leaving victims with slim chances of survival.
This outbreak comes just a month after WHO declared the end of a three-month Marburg crisis in Rwanda that killed 15 people. Tanzania’s ongoing battle highlights the need for swift intervention and international collaboration to prevent further loss of life.
