Tanzania Battles Second Marburg Virus Outbreak as WHO deploys Emergency Response Team
Biharamulo, Tanzania – The World Health Association (WHO) has mobilized a team of public health emergency experts to Tanzania’s north-western Kagera region to combat a resurgence of Marburg virus disease. This marks the country’s second outbreak of the deadly virus, following a successful containment effort in 2023.The WHO team, part of a 20-member inter-agency group including Médecins Sans Frontières, Tanzania Red Cross society, and UNICEF, is working alongside national and local health officials to strengthen disease surveillance, enhance diagnostic capacity, and ensure effective case management. Their mission is clear: to halt the spread of the virus and save lives.
“Our focus is to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and save lives by working closely with the government to ensure a coordinated and effective response,” saeid Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO representative in Tanzania.
As of 23 January 2025, two confirmed cases and 29 suspected cases have been reported, with 281 contacts under close monitoring. To support the response, WHO has shipped 1.4 tonnes of essential medical supplies,including diagnostic kits and personal protective equipment,from its Regional Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi.
The ongoing outbreak underscores the challenges of combating Marburg virus disease, a highly contagious illness that causes haemorrhagic fever. The virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. While there are no approved treatments or vaccines,early supportive care can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Lessons from Tanzania’s first outbreak in 2023, which also occurred in the Kagera region, are proving invaluable. The government’s investments in emergency preparedness have been crucial in addressing the current crisis. WHO has allocated US$ 3 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to accelerate outbreak control efforts.
Key Facts at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Kagera region, north-western Tanzania |
| confirmed Cases | 2 |
| suspected Cases | 29 |
| Contacts Monitored | 281 |
| Response Team | WHO, Médecins Sans frontières, Tanzania Red Cross Society, UNICEF |
| Medical Supplies | 1.4 tonnes shipped from Nairobi |
| Funding | US$ 3 million allocated from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies |
The WHO remains committed to supporting Tanzanian authorities and partners in bringing the outbreak under control. Public awareness campaigns are also being intensified to prevent further transmission of the virus.
For additional facts or to request interviews, please contact Ms. priscilla Mawuena Adjeidu, Communications Officer at the WHO Country Office in Tanzania.
This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of global health preparedness and the need for swift,coordinated responses to emerging infectious diseases.
Tanzania’s Marburg Virus Outbreak: Insights from Dr. Fatima Mwangi on WHO’s Emergency Response
In light of Tanzania’s second Marburg virus outbreak in the Kagera region, world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Fatima Mwangi, a leading infectious disease specialist and consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO), to discuss the ongoing crisis, WHO’s emergency response, and the lessons learned from previous outbreaks. Dr.Mwangi provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and strategies in combating this deadly virus.
The Current Situation in Kagera
Editor: Dr. Mwangi, can you give us an overview of the current Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region?
Dr. Fatima Mwangi: Certainly. As of January 23, 2025, there are two confirmed cases and 29 suspected cases of Marburg virus disease in Kagera. This is particularly concerning because the region experienced a similar outbreak in 2023. The WHO, along with partners like Médecins Sans Frontières and the Tanzania Red Cross Society, has deployed a 20-member emergency response team to the area. Their primary focus is on disease surveillance, case management, and preventing further transmission. Additionally, 281 contacts are under close monitoring to ensure early detection of new cases.
WHO’s Emergency Response Strategy
Editor: What specific measures has WHO taken to address this outbreak?
Dr. Fatima Mwangi: WHO’s response has been swift and multifaceted. First,we’ve established a coordinated effort with national and local health authorities to strengthen diagnostic capacity and ensure effective case management. We’ve also shipped 1.4 tonnes of essential medical supplies, including diagnostic kits and personal protective equipment, from our Regional Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi. Additionally, WHO has allocated $3 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support outbreak control efforts. Funding is critical for mobilizing resources, training health workers, and conducting public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the virus.
Challenges in Combating Marburg Virus
Editor: What are the biggest challenges in controlling a Marburg virus outbreak?
Dr. Fatima Mwangi: Marburg virus disease is notoriously challenging to control due to its high contagion rate and the lack of approved treatments or vaccines. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials, which means healthcare workers and families of infected individuals are particularly vulnerable. Early detection and isolation of cases are crucial, but this requires robust disease surveillance systems and community cooperation. Another challenge is ensuring that medical supplies and personnel reach remote areas like Kagera quickly. Though, Tanzania’s experience from the 2023 outbreak has substantially improved its preparedness, which is helping mitigate some of these challenges.
Lessons from the 2023 Outbreak
Editor: How has Tanzania’s previous experience with Marburg virus shaped the current response?
Dr. Fatima Mwangi: The 2023 outbreak taught us valuable lessons about the importance of preparedness and rapid response. Following that outbreak, Tanzania invested in strengthening its emergency response infrastructure, which has been instrumental in addressing the current crisis. for example, local health workers are better trained in infection prevention and control, and there’s a more efficient system for tracking and monitoring contacts.Additionally, public awareness campaigns have improved, which is crucial for encouraging communities to report symptoms and follow safety guidelines. These lessons have undoubtedly enhanced the effectiveness of the current response.
The Role of Global Health Preparedness
editor: What does this outbreak tell us about the state of global health preparedness?
Dr. Fatima Mwangi: This outbreak is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by emerging infectious diseases. While Tanzania’s response has been commendable, it also highlights the need for sustained investment in global health preparedness. Infectious diseases know no borders, and a localized outbreak can quickly escalate into a global crisis if not contained promptly. We need stronger international collaboration, better funding for research into treatments and vaccines, and more robust systems for sharing data and resources. This is not just Tanzania’s fight—it’s a global responsibility.
Conclusion
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Mwangi, for your insightful analysis. To summarize, the current Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania underscores the importance of rapid response, community engagement, and global health preparedness. The lessons learned from the 2023 outbreak have been instrumental in shaping the current efforts, but challenges remain. Continued support from international organizations like WHO, coupled with sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, will be key to controlling this and future outbreaks.
