Marburg Virus Resurgence in Tanzania: A Health Crisis Threatening East Africa

Editorial : Africa Eye

Tanzania is on high alert following the World Health Organization’s announcement of a potential Marburg virus outbreak in the Kagera region, located in the northwest of the country. The virus has already claimed eight lives. Known for its severe lethality, with a mortality rate of up to 90%, Marburg belongs to the Ebola family and spreads through bodily fluids or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Fruit bats, the natural hosts of the virus, pose a significant challenge to containment in the region, which is home to these species.

Local health authorities, with support from the WHO, are working to trace contacts of infected individuals and implement measures to curb its spread. However, reported cases across multiple areas within Kagera raise concerns about a broader outbreak, especially given the continuous movement of people to neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The WHO has classified the regional spread risk as “high,” calling for intensified efforts at both local and international levels.

As testing continues to confirm new cases, the WHO emphasizes the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and international support to address this crisis. It also urges the implementation of strict preventive measures, such as isolating suspected cases and decontaminating affected areas. This health emergency serves as a stark reminder of the need to bolster healthcare systems across Africa to confront epidemic diseases that threaten the stability of the region.