WHO warns Marbrug virus outbreak in Tanzania

An outbreak of suspected Marburg disease in Tanzania has claimed eight lives, with nine cases reported in the Kagera region, according to the World Health Organization. The high-fatality virus, spread through close contact, poses a regional risk as surveillance efforts continue.

The World Health Organization said an outbreak of suspected Marburg disease had killed eight people in Tanzania.

In a statement on Tuesday, the global health agency reported a total of nine suspected cases of the high-fatality disease had been reported in two districts of the Kagera region in the country’s northwest.

“We are aware of 9 cases so far, including 8 people who have died,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement on X platform. “We would expect further cases in coming days as disease surveillance improves.”

WHO informed its Member States and International Health Regulation State Parties about “high risk” of virus dissemination at national and regional levels, but low globally. 

There was no immediate comment from Tanzanian health authorities.

The Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and spreads between people through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or with surfaces, such as contaminated beddings. Burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute to the transmission of Marburg virus.

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