Myths and misconceptions in the community about the Marburg disease is hampering the response by the government.
The Tanzania Ministry of Health in their latest update on the disease said inadequate special designated ambulances for ferrying cases and inadequate resources are other challenges being faced in the response efforts.
The ministry data shows as of March 21, a total of eight cases and five deaths had been reported, with a case fatality rate of 63.6.
Three cases are on treatment one being the health care worker.
“Unfriendly infrastructure to reach some contacts specifically in the islands which lack formal transport mechanism is a challenge,” the ministry said.
Similarly, complex geography and unofficial points of entry of the islands are making it difficult to ensure screening of travelers from the islands.
The ministry has however commenced inspection of water and sanitation infrastructures at areas with mass congregations such as schools, markets, churches and banks.
“We have commenced provision of health education on appropriate prevention measures including hand washing, safe and dignified burials through community meeting which involved the high-level District leaders,” it said.
Marburg is a highly infectious viral haemorrhagic fever and has been grouped by the World Health Organisation in the same family as Ebola virus disease and is transmitted to people from fruit bats.
It then spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials.
Some of the signs include diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting.
However, WHO notes that the illness begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and malaise before developing into severe haemorrhagic signs within seven days among many patients.
Kenya is on high alert after Tanzania confirmed an outbreak of the virus.
The Kenya Ministry of Health has called on health officials at the various points of entry to ensure all travellers entering the country from Tanzania are screened to pick up any cases of the virus before entering the country.
