Tanzania Declares Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak: Africa CDC Mobilizes Rapid Response
ADDIS ABABA, January 20, 2025 – tanzania has declared an outbreak of marburg virus disease (MVD) after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. This marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following a 2023 outbreak in the same region that resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. Similar to Ebola, it causes severe hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, and bleeding.The virus has a high fatality rate, making rapid containment critical.
In response to the outbreak, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is mobilizing a robust support system. A team of twelve public health experts, including epidemiologists, risk dialog specialists, and laboratory experts, will be deployed within 24 hours to provide on-ground support for surveillance, infection prevention and control (IPC), diagnostics, and community engagement.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts. “Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Africa CDC has already dispatched PCR test kits and genomic sequencing reagents to Tanzania, with additional supplies en route. The institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen and improve case management protocols.
This outbreak comes just two years after Tanzania’s first encounter with the virus in March 2023, which was successfully contained thanks to swift action and international collaboration. the Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania,regional partners,and global stakeholders,including the World Health Association (WHO),to stop the spread of the virus.
Key Facts About the Outbreak
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Kagera Region,Northwestern Tanzania |
| Confirmed Cases | 1 |
| Suspected Cases | 25 |
| Previous Outbreak | March 2023: 9 cases,6 deaths |
| Africa CDC Support | US$ 2 million,12 public health experts,PCR kits,genomic sequencing reagents |
| Fatality Rate | High (similar to ebola) |
the Africa CDC,a public health agency of the African union,plays a pivotal role in strengthening health systems across the continent. Its efforts in disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control are critical in combating outbreaks like this one.
As Tanzania faces this renewed threat, the global health community is watching closely. The lessons learned from the 2023 outbreak, combined with the swift mobilization of resources and expertise, offer hope that this outbreak can be contained before it escalates further.
For more details on the Africa CDC’s efforts,visit their official website or connect with them on LinkedIn,Twitter,Facebook,and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC | [email protected]
Headline:
Specialist Interview: Combating Marburg in Tanzania – A Conversation with Dr. Amina Mohammed, Senior Epidemiologist at Africa CDC
Introduction:
In the wake of Tanzania’s second Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak, world-today-news.com sits down with dr. Amina Mohammed, a senior epidemiologist at the africa centres for Disease Control and Prevention (africa CDC), to discuss the response to this highly infectious and ofen fatal disease.
1. The Outbreak and the Marburg Virus
What can you tell us about the current Marburg outbreak in Tanzania?
Dr. Amina Mohammed: “We’re currently dealing with a notable outbreak in Kagera Region, Northwestern Tanzania, with one confirmed case and 25 suspected cases. The marburg virus is a severe threat,causing hemorrhagic fever and transmitted from bats and monkeys to humans. Similar to Ebola, it has a high fatality rate.”
How does this outbreak compare to the 2023 incident in the same region?
Dr. Amina Mohammed: ”Both outbreaks are concerning, but we’re better positioned this time. In 2023, we had 9 cases leading to 6 deaths. Now, we’re quicker to respond, and lessons learned from the past outbreak will guide our current approach.”
2. Africa CDC’s Response
What is Africa CDC’s role in tackling this outbreak?
Dr. Amina Mohammed: “Our role is pivotal. We’re deploying a team of 12 public health experts within 24 hours to support surveillance, infection prevention, diagnostics, and community engagement. We’re also providing $2 million to bolster immediate response measures and strengthening diagnostics.”
What resources has Africa CDC dispatched to Tanzania?
Dr. Amina Mohammed: “We’ve already sent PCR test kits and genomic sequencing reagents to Tanzania. Additionally, we’ll offer technical assistance to strengthen genome sequencing and improve case management protocols.”
3. Coordinated Efforts and Global Support
How are you coordinating with Tanzanian authorities and other global stakeholders?
Dr. Amina Mohammed: “We’ve engaged Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health for coordinated efforts.We’re also working closely with regional partners, global stakeholders, and the World Health Organization (WHO).”
What lessons can be learned from past outbreaks to help contain this one?
Dr.Amina Mohammed: ”Past experiences have shown the importance of swift action and international collaboration. By learning from these lessons, we’re hopeful that this outbreak can be contained before it escalates further.”
4. Looking Ahead
What message do you have for the global health community regarding this outbreak?*
Dr.Amina Mohammed: “we must remain vigilant and united in our response. Marburg is a serious threat, but with concerted efforts and the deployment of critical resources, we can contain this outbreak and protect the health and lives of Tanzanian citizens.”
Contact Facts:
Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC | [email protected]
