Screening enhanced as Marburg virus is reported in Tanzania

The Ministry of Health has enhanced surveillance and screenings in all points of entry to the country following reports of a Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania.

Last week, the World Health Organisation announced a suspected Marburg virus outbreak which has affected part of the neighbouring country.

Tanzania has, however, dismissed the report.

The announcement made on January 14 said six people were reported to have been affected by the disease in Kagera region and five had lost their lives.

“As of 11 January 2025, nine suspected cases were reported including eight deaths across Biharamulo and Muleba districts. Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending official confirmation,” WHO said in a statement.

The cases presented with symptoms similar to that of Marburg virus including headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, vomiting with blood, body weakness and external haemorrhage at a later stage.

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government is alert and prepared to combat the disease.

The PS who spoke in Murang’a called for calm, confirming that no case has been reported in the country.

“We have had M-pox since last year and we have been able to manage it through screening of all travellers getting into the country and enhancing surveillance. Marburg virus is a more serious disease and we are also ready to deal with it,” she said.

“The state is on top of the issue and we’re ensuring surveillance is heightened and screening is at the top of our priorities”.

She said the government is working on messages which will be disseminated to the public to create awareness about the disease.

The messages will include ways of protecting themselves and how to identify the illness.

“The main message is to ask Kenyans not to share clothes or personal commodities and to practice high levels of hygiene at all times. They should ensure they wash their hands with soap and water at all times”.

She said though many have expressed concerns over the Human Pneumovirus, a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections, it’s a condition that has existed for decades and should not be a cause for alarm.

The condition was discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 with countries such as China reporting a surge in infections this month.

According to WHO, there is currently no approved antiviral medicine for the virus and most people feel better in a few days.

Muthoni said the government is riding on the structures laid during the Covid-19 pandemic including the human resource, adding that they will continuously be trained nationally and in the counties to enhance their capacity.

“We are continuing to advance our preparedness. We are ready for any eventuality,” the PS said.

Meanwhile, Kenya has reported two more cases of Mpox, raising the total count to 33.