A suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in the Kagera region of northwest Tanzania has resulted in the deaths of eight people, with a total of nine individuals infected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak has raised alarm as Marburg virus is a highly contagious and deadly disease, with a fatality rate as high as 88%. This comes just weeks after a similar outbreak in neighboring Rwanda was declared over.
The WHO reported that reliable reports of suspected Marburg virus cases in Tanzania were received on January 10. The cases were identified in the Kagera region, which shares a border with Rwanda. Infected individuals have shown symptoms that are consistent with Marburg virus infection, including high fever, severe headache, back pain, muscle weakness, vomiting blood, diarrhea, and external bleeding.
Samples from two of the patients have been sent to Tanzania’s national laboratory for testing, with results pending. The WHO has stated that the situation is being closely monitored, and health authorities are taking all necessary precautions to manage the outbreak and prevent its spread.
As of the latest updates, the number of confirmed cases stands at nine, with eight deaths. The WHO has also reported that contacts of the infected individuals, including healthcare workers, are being identified and followed up for monitoring. It is crucial that healthcare workers are vigilant, as they are at higher risk due to their direct contact with patients.
Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family, is closely related to the Ebola virus, which causes similar symptoms and transmission patterns. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, particularly fruit bats, which are common in the region. Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, and feces, from an infected person. Additionally, the virus can be spread through contaminated items such as bedding and clothing.
The WHO has noted that the virus outbreak is particularly concerning due to the high fatality rate and rapid progression of the disease. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases, making early detection challenging. However, once the disease progresses, it can cause severe bleeding, shock, and multi-organ failure, leading to death in many cases.
The Kagera region in Tanzania was also affected by an earlier outbreak of Marburg virus in March 2023. That outbreak lasted for nearly two months and resulted in six deaths. The region, which borders Rwanda, is experiencing another suspected outbreak just months after the previous one was declared over.
Rwanda, which shares a border with Tanzania’s Kagera region, had an outbreak of Marburg virus that infected 66 people and killed 15 before it was declared over on December 20, 2023. The proximity of the two countries and the rapid spread of the virus have raised concerns about further outbreaks in the region.
The WHO continues to work closely with Tanzanian health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. Efforts include monitoring the health of people who may have been exposed to the virus, providing support to healthcare facilities, and raising awareness of the virus’s symptoms and transmission methods.
Marburg virus remains a significant public health threat, especially in areas where fruit bats are common, and health infrastructure may be limited. The WHO has urged governments in the region to strengthen their surveillance systems and prepare for potential additional cases of the disease.
BY – KARTIK
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