Tanzania has confirmed a new outbreak of the Marburg virus with one reported case in Kagera region. The virus is responsible for high mortality rates, and authorities are investigating potential sources of infection amidst previous reports of fatalities. The World Health Organization is providing support while advising against travel restrictions due to the low global risk.
On Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania announced a new outbreak of the Marburg virus, confirming one case in the country. This instance represents the second occurrence of the virus in Tanzania since 2023. Last week, the World Health Organization indicated that eight suspected deaths related to the virus were recorded, assessing the national risk as “high.” However, this report has not been verified by Tanzanian authorities.
In her press briefing from Dodoma, President Hassan stated that while one individual tested positive for Marburg, the nature of the previously reported community deaths remains unconfirmed. A total of 26 suspected cases have been tested, with only one returning positive. This case is located in the Kagera region, which borders Uganda and Rwanda, where the first Marburg outbreak in Tanzania occurred in March 2023.
Hassan expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to manage and contain outbreaks, recalling previous successes in addressing similar public health crises. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visiting Dodoma, expressed the agency’s ongoing commitment to support Tanzania in controlling the outbreak, having bolstered its response capabilities. This includes enhancing case detection and establishing treatment centers.
Despite the outbreak, the WHO has advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions, citing the low global risk and the Tanzanian government’s response capabilities. The recent case follows a month after the WHO declared the resolution of a three-month Marburg outbreak in neighboring Rwanda, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, leads to severe hemorrhagic fever and has a high fatality rate, posing significant public health challenges.
The Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen belonging to the same family as Ebola, is known for causing severe hemorrhagic fever. It is transmitted primarily by fruit bats and can lead to organ failure and severe bleeding, with a fatality rate that can approach 90 percent. The virus has affected various regions in Africa, including recent outbreaks in Tanzania and Rwanda, leading to high mortality rates and heightened public health concerns. Effective containment measures, rapid response teams, and international support are critical in managing such outbreaks and preventing their spread.
In conclusion, Tanzania faces a renewed challenge from the Marburg virus with a confirmed case in Kagera region. As authorities investigate the source of infection and ensure robust public health measures are in place, the support from the World Health Organization remains essential. Historically, Tanzania has shown resilience in controlling outbreaks and is being urged to maintain its proactive response to safeguard public health.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
