No Marburg cases in Tanzania – Health Minister

DODOMA: The Ministry of Health has confirmed that laboratory test conducted on all suspected cases in Kagera have found no evidence of the Ebola-like Marburg virus.

In an official statement released on Wednesday by Health Minister Jenista Mhagama through the ministry’s official platforms, clarified that comprehensive investigations found no presence of the deadly virus in the region.

The statement explained that the Ministry acted promptly after receiving reports of a possible Marburg virus outbreak in the region.

It also outlined that the ministry issued immediate measures included dispatching a team of experts, conducting investigations, and collecting samples for laboratory testing.

” Up to date, January 15, 2025 ( yesterday), laboratory test results from all suspected cases have not confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus,” the statement read.

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The Ministry further reassured the public and the international community, including the World Health Organization (WHO), of its vigilance that it has intensified disease surveillance and will continue to provide timely updates.

Concerns about the virus were heightened following a WHO report on Tuesday which cited eight deaths linked to a suspected Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Kagera.

The report, intended for member states and International Health Regulations (IHR) authorities, aimed to raise awareness of the potential threat.