Tanzania has officially declared the end of its ongoing Marburg virus disease outbreak after 42 days without new cases. The outbreak, which began on January 20, 2025, and lasted for nearly two months, resulted in two confirmed and eight probable deaths.
The country’s health authorities worked closely with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to control the outbreak. WHO provided training to over 1,000 frontline health workers, delivered essential medical supplies, and reinforced disease surveillance systems.
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise, followed by haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
This marks the second Marburg outbreak in Tanzania, both occurring in the north-eastern Kagera region. The WHO praises the efforts of Tanzanian health authorities and frontline workers, saying they have effectively responded to the crisis.
However, the organization remains vigilant, ready to respond swiftly if new cases are detected. Additionally, measures have been put in place to reinforce local health facilities’ capacity to handle potential future outbreaks.
Source: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/united-republic-of-tanzania/news/tanzania-declares-end-marburg-virus-disease-outbreak