Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital, Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted at Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” President Hassan stated. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
As of January 20, 2025, a total of 25 suspected cases have been reported, all of whom have tested negative and remain under close monitoring. The cases have been concentrated in Biharamulo district, Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities in enhancing key outbreak control measures, including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, and increasing public awareness to prevent further spread.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr. Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration and commitment to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania and the region from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola. The illness begins abruptly, with patients experiencing high fever, severe headache, and extreme fatigue, often progressing to severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels, as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government in rapidly scaling up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard public health.”
Tanzania previously reported its first Marburg outbreak in March 2023, also in Kagera, with nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths, marking a 67% case fatality ratio.
Across Africa, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and materials. While several promising treatments are undergoing clinical trials, there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. However, early access to supportive care—such as rehydration and symptom management—can improve survival rates.
Health authorities in Tanzania and neighboring countries are on high alert, closely monitoring the situation to prevent potential regional spread.
