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Marburg Virus Confirmed In Tanzania After Several Deaths
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a case of the deadly Marburg virus in Tanzania following a series of deaths. This development comes after Tanzanian officials initially disputed the claims, stating that the reported deaths were due to other causes.
According to reports, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the positive test result on Monday, accompanied by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The two leaders emphasized the need for swift action to bring the outbreak under control and prevent its spread.
Marburg virus is a highly virulent pathogen that causes severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates alike. It is transmitted through certain fruit bats and can be passed from one person to another via direct contact with infected bodily fluids. In the early stages of infection, individuals may not exhibit symptoms, making it essential to take preventative measures.
The virus has a high fatality rate, ranging between 24% and 88%, with an average mortality rate of approximately 50%. This alarming statistic highlights the gravity of the situation, underscoring the importance of swift and decisive action to contain the outbreak.
Healthcare professionals are particularly at risk of contracting the disease due to their exposure to contaminated bodily fluids and surfaces. Needle-stick injuries can also increase the likelihood of transmission, as seen in severe cases.
The World Health Organization has flagged Tanzania and its surrounding regions as being at “high” risk for further Marburg virus spread. The agency’s concerns are amplified by the fact that Kagera is a transportation hub, which increases the chances of the virus spreading to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a separate incident, Rwanda declared an outbreak “over” last month following reports of at least 66 cases and 15 fatalities between September and November 2024. This recent development underscores the risk of transmission in the region.
Notably, there have been no reported international cases to date, which has led experts to conclude that the virus poses a relatively low global risk. The WHO emphasizes that Marburg virus transmission requires direct contact with infected bodily fluids, significantly reducing its contagiousness compared to other diseases like COVID-19.
The first recorded instances of the disease affected researchers in Europe who had imported green monkeys from Uganda. More recently, a tourist contracted the disease after returning home following a safari holiday in Uganda in 2008. This individual did not transmit the virus to anyone else, demonstrating its limited ability to spread globally.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for governments and health authorities to work together to contain this deadly outbreak.
Source: www.forbes.com
