Eight Lives Lost in Tanzania's Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak: WHO
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Eight fatalities have been reported due to a suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania's Kagera region, as stated by WHO. The risk of further spread remains high, and WHO offers assistance to local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Eight deaths reported due to suspected Marburg virus outbreak.
- WHO warns of high risk of spread.
- Tanzanian government has not yet responded.
- Previous outbreak in March was declared under control.
- WHO continues to monitor the situation closely.
Dar es Salaam, Jan 15 (NationPress) Eight individuals have tragically lost their lives due to a suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania's northwestern Kagera region, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In an official statement, the WHO cautioned that the risk of further transmission of this deadly disease in both the country and surrounding areas remains high.
As of yet, there has been no response from the Tanzanian government regarding the WHO's announcement.
The United Nations health agency notified its member states on Monday about the suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera Region.
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, nine cases have been identified thus far, including the eight fatalities. He added that additional cases are anticipated as disease monitoring improves.
The WHO has extended its full support to the Tanzanian government and affected communities.
Earlier in March 2023, Tanzanian health officials declared that a previous outbreak of Marburg viral disease, which resulted in five deaths in the Kagera Region, was under control, according to Xinhua news agency.
The WHO has indicated that this highly lethal, zoonotic hemorrhagic illness is caused by the Marburg virus, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons or with contaminated equipment.
Last month, Rwanda announced the conclusion of its Marburg virus outbreak, which was first declared on September 27.
This declaration followed a period of 42 consecutive days without new cases after the last confirmed patient was released, thus meeting WHO guidelines.
The last confirmed case in Rwanda was recorded on October 30, with the last Marburg-related death occurring on October 14.
The outbreak that began in mid-September 2024 led to 66 confirmed cases, comprising 15 deaths and 51 recoveries.
