The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a high alert for Kenya and five neighboring countries—Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique—following a confirmed outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Tanzania.
The outbreak, reported in Tanzania’s Kagera region, has already claimed the lives of eight people, with nine suspected cases documented across the districts of Biharamulo and Muleba. The alarming case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89% has prompted urgent action and raised concerns about the potential regional spread of the disease.
In its January 15 statement, WHO detailed the symptoms reported among those affected. Patients presented with severe headaches, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting with blood, and significant body weakness. In advanced stages of the illness, external hemorrhaging from body orifices was observed.
WHO noted that the cases showed similarities in symptoms, which facilitated identification and tracking efforts. The outbreak has been linked to delays in detection and isolation of cases, making containment efforts more challenging.
Tanzania has since mobilized national rapid response teams to investigate and respond to the outbreak. Surveillance efforts have been ramped up, with contact tracing ongoing to monitor individuals exposed to the virus, including healthcare workers.
To support containment efforts, a mobile laboratory has been deployed in the Kagera region, and treatment units have been established to care for infected individuals. Laboratory samples from the recent cases are being analyzed at the National Public Health Laboratory, and the results are awaited to confirm the situation further.
Despite these efforts, WHO has highlighted the high regional risk posed by the outbreak due to Kagera’s strategic location as a transit hub with significant cross-border movement.
Reports suggest that some suspected cases occurred in districts close to international borders, increasing the likelihood of the virus spreading to neighboring countries.
WHO has urged neighboring governments to enhance collaboration, harmonize reporting mechanisms, and strengthen surveillance at points of entry to minimize the spread of the disease.
The source of the current outbreak remains unknown, and WHO expects that more cases may be identified as investigations continue.
The organization emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in all affected and neighboring countries. While MVD is not easily transmissible, WHO has not ruled out the possibility of individuals exposed to the virus traveling to other regions, posing a broader threat.
To curb the spread of MVD, WHO has issued several recommendations for protective measures. Communities are advised to avoid direct contact with infected individuals, particularly their bodily fluids, and to immediately seek medical care if they experience symptoms.
People suspected or confirmed to have MVD should be isolated in treatment centers to receive early care and prevent further transmission. Handling the bodies of deceased individuals who exhibited MVD symptoms is discouraged, as it poses a significant risk of infection.
Additionally, WHO cautioned against prolonged exposure to environments inhabited by fruit bats, the primary reservoir for the Marburg virus. Individuals working in or visiting caves and mines with bat colonies are advised to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and masks, to minimize their risk of exposure.
During outbreaks, all animal products, including meat and blood, should be thoroughly cooked before consumption to eliminate potential sources of infection.
The WHO has reiterated its commitment to supporting Tanzania and neighboring countries in controlling the outbreak and mitigating its impact.
As investigations into the outbreak’s source continue, more updates are expected to be released in the coming days. The situation underscores the need for robust public health systems and regional cooperation to address emerging health threats effectively.
