by Ben Taylor

Tanzania announces single Marburg virus case
In January, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced that a single case of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) had been detected in Biharamulo District, Kagera Region. She went on to assure the public that the country has successfully controlled the spread of the disease.

This announcement comes six days after the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that eight individuals had died from suspected Marburg virus infections in the region. Speaking alongside the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in Dar es Salaam on January 20th, President Hassan reiterated that the nation had managed to contain the outbreak early on, with all suspected cases tested negative for the virus.

The President elaborated on the government’s swift response. She explained that a team was formed and sent on January 11 to investigate the cases and to ensure that the public was informed. Samples were tested at the Kabaile Laboratory in Kagera before being sent for further analysis at the National Laboratory in Dar es Salaam. “One person was found to be infected with the virus, while others tested negative,” President Hassan reported.

This marks the second time the country has experienced a Marburg virus outbreak, following the detection of cases in March 2023 in Bukoba District. “As of January 20, 2025, 25 samples have been tested, and only one person has been found infected, making this the second outbreak. However, the country is currently safe, and no further infections have been detected,” she added.

The President further stated that investigations into the source of the outbreak are ongoing.

In support of the efforts to contain the virus, Dr Tedros praised the country’s swift action, commending President Hassan’s leadership for controlling the outbreak. He confirmed that WHO is providing a financial aid package of $3 million (approximately TSh7.5 billion) to support the response. “We believe that, as Tanzania successfully controlled the outbreak two years ago, the country will manage to control this disease as well. WHO is providing $3 million to support control efforts and strengthen disease monitoring systems,” Dr Tedros said.

Dr Tedros also reiterated that Tanzania is now free of further infections and remains open to international activities, including tourism and business.

The Marburg virus, which causes severe haemorrhagic fever, is highly contagious and often fatal. Symptoms include high fever, back pain, vomiting blood, and internal and external bleeding. WHO has warned that the proximity of Kagera Region to neighbouring countries elevates the risk of cross-border transmission.

Health experts have emphasized the importance of community awareness, robust surveillance, and international cooperation to prevent further spread.