A suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania has resulted in eight deaths and nine cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The agency has classified the risk for regional spread as high due to the location of the outbreak in the Kagera region, a key transit hub for travel between Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The WHO has confirmed that health care workers are among those affected, highlighting the risk of nosocomial transmission. The source of the outbreak remains unknown, but contact tracing has identified potential cases in two Kagera districts, including health care workers.
The Kagera region’s connectivity through air travel increases the need for enhanced surveillance and coordination with neighboring countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has stated that further cases are expected as disease surveillance improves.
Marburg virus, a rare and severe disease, has caused outbreaks across sub-Saharan Africa since its identification in 1967. There are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments available for the virus, although several have reached human trials. The WHO recommends that neighboring countries be on alert and prepared to manage potential cases, but does not recommend travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania at this time.
Source: https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20250115/who-8-dead-in-suspected-marburg-outbreak-in-tanzania