WHO Reports Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera Region: Nine Cases, Eight Deaths, High Risk

Jan 14, 2025, 10:18 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a suspected outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the Kagera region of Tanzania. As of January 11, 2025, there have been nine suspected cases, including eight deaths, resulting in a case fatality ratio of 89%. The outbreak spans two districts, Biharamulo and Muleba. Samples from two patients have been sent for testing at the National Public Health Laboratory, with results pending. The outbreak is considered high risk at the national level due to the high fatality rate, the involvement of healthcare workers among the cases, and the geographic spread across districts. The regional risk is also high due to Kagera's role as a transit hub with significant cross-border movement to neighboring countries. The global risk is currently assessed as low, with no confirmed international spread. WHO has advised against any travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania and has outlined several risk reduction measures to control the outbreak.