Tanzania's president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially acknowledged a Marburg virus outbreak, following earlier statements from health officials denying any cases in the country.
Tanzania Declares Marburg Virus Outbreak Amid Confusion Over Initial Denials
Tanzania Declares Marburg Virus Outbreak Amid Confusion Over Initial Denials
Tanzania's government faces scrutiny after confirming a Marburg virus case, contradicting prior health officials' claims of no outbreaks.
On Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan disclosed the confirmation of a Marburg virus case in Kagera, a north-western region of Tanzania, amidst initial denial from Health Minister Jenista Mhagama. This revelation comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) had reported a suspected outbreak with nine suspected cases and eight deaths within a five-day span in January.
President Hassan expressed optimism about managing this health crisis, recalling the nation's previous experience with Marburg two years ago. "We are confident that we will overcome this challenge once again," she stated during a press conference held in conjunction with WHO representatives.
Discrepancy in Reporting
While the WHO had raised flags concerning possible Marburg virus activity in Tanzania, Health Minister Mhagama had asserted that all tests conducted on suspected cases turned out negative. Following the discovery of a confirmed case, Hassan said steps have been taken to repel the virus, including the mobilization of a rapid response team to monitor and encourage reporting of suspected cases.
Marburg virus is highly contagious, with symptoms ranging from fever and muscle pain to severe gastrointestinal issues, often leading to death through significant blood loss. According to WHO estimates, the virus has an average mortality rate of 50%.
In addition to the confirmed case, Tanzanian health authorities have tested samples from 24 other individuals suspected of infection; however, results for these tests have come back negative. Unresolved, however, is the inquiry into the causes behind the eight fatalities previously reported by WHO.
Previous Outbreak Context
This declaration echoes an earlier outbreak in March 2023, which occurred in Bukoba and resulted in six deaths over nearly two months. Despite the confirmed outbreak, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized the global risk as "low," highlighting that outbreaks can be contained swiftly even in the absence of specific treatments or vaccines.
With concerns over cross-border health situations arising, the Africa CDC revealed that over 300 contacts linked to the confirmed case have been identified for monitoring. Among these contacts are health workers and individuals who directly connected with suspected Marburg cases.
As a transit point for people traveling to and from neighboring countries, Kagera holds significant public health importance, notably following an outbreak in Rwanda last December that resulted in 66 infections. The virus is primarily transferred to humans from fruit bats and then through bodily fluids of infected individuals.
With rigorous surveillance and community engagement, Tanzania aims to mitigate the impact of this outbreak while collaborations with international health entities continue to strengthen in response to the crisis.
President Hassan expressed optimism about managing this health crisis, recalling the nation's previous experience with Marburg two years ago. "We are confident that we will overcome this challenge once again," she stated during a press conference held in conjunction with WHO representatives.
Discrepancy in Reporting
While the WHO had raised flags concerning possible Marburg virus activity in Tanzania, Health Minister Mhagama had asserted that all tests conducted on suspected cases turned out negative. Following the discovery of a confirmed case, Hassan said steps have been taken to repel the virus, including the mobilization of a rapid response team to monitor and encourage reporting of suspected cases.
Marburg virus is highly contagious, with symptoms ranging from fever and muscle pain to severe gastrointestinal issues, often leading to death through significant blood loss. According to WHO estimates, the virus has an average mortality rate of 50%.
In addition to the confirmed case, Tanzanian health authorities have tested samples from 24 other individuals suspected of infection; however, results for these tests have come back negative. Unresolved, however, is the inquiry into the causes behind the eight fatalities previously reported by WHO.
Previous Outbreak Context
This declaration echoes an earlier outbreak in March 2023, which occurred in Bukoba and resulted in six deaths over nearly two months. Despite the confirmed outbreak, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized the global risk as "low," highlighting that outbreaks can be contained swiftly even in the absence of specific treatments or vaccines.
With concerns over cross-border health situations arising, the Africa CDC revealed that over 300 contacts linked to the confirmed case have been identified for monitoring. Among these contacts are health workers and individuals who directly connected with suspected Marburg cases.
As a transit point for people traveling to and from neighboring countries, Kagera holds significant public health importance, notably following an outbreak in Rwanda last December that resulted in 66 infections. The virus is primarily transferred to humans from fruit bats and then through bodily fluids of infected individuals.
With rigorous surveillance and community engagement, Tanzania aims to mitigate the impact of this outbreak while collaborations with international health entities continue to strengthen in response to the crisis.
