WHO Reports Suspected Marburg Outbreak in Tanzania: 9 Cases, 8 Deaths, High Risk

Jan 15, 2025, 08:41 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a suspected outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the Kagera region of Tanzania, resulting in nine suspected cases and eight deaths. The outbreak, which has a case fatality ratio of 89%, was first reported on January 10, 2025. The WHO has described the national risk as high due to factors including the high fatality rate, the unknown source of the outbreak, and the geographic spread across two districts, Biharamulo and Muleba. The regional risk is also considered high due to Kagera's strategic location as a transit hub with significant cross-border movement to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO has advised against any travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania at this time, but has emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and preparedness in neighboring countries.