A suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania has prompted concerns from global health authorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) had issued an alert two days ago based on reliable sources within the country. However, after conducting tests on collected samples, the Tanzanian government reported that none of them tested positive for the disease.
At a WHO briefing today, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged Tanzania’s government to send its samples for testing to international reference labs and collect additional samples according to normal procedures. The WHO is providing support to Tanzania and has offered extra assistance if needed.
The suspected index case-patient, a 27-year-old pregnant woman who died in December from hemorrhagic symptoms, remains under investigation. Her death triggered the outbreak response, which identified 300 contacts, including 56 healthcare workers, who are being monitored.
A health worker involved in caring for the patient died on December 27. So far, nine illnesses have been reported, and eight patients have succumbed to their infections. Samples were collected from five of these patients.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has acknowledged the official communication from Tanzania’s government regarding negative test results. Africa CDC director-general Jean Kaseya stated that the organization is supporting Tanzania in this matter, emphasizing that more information would be provided as it becomes available. If confirmed, the outbreak would mark Tanzania’s second Marburg event, with a previous incident in 2023 resulting in nine illnesses and six fatalities.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/marburg/tanzania-health-ministry-reports-negative-test-results-suspected-marburg-virus-outbreak