SUSPECTED MARBURG OUTBREAK: Govt: No confirmed cases

DODOMA: THE Ministry of Health has assured the public and the international community, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), that it has reinforced disease surveillance systems in response to the suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) out- break in the Kagera Region.

In a statement availed to the media on Wednesday, Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama confirmed that her docket received information on the suspected MVD outbreak in Kagera Region and it has already taken prompt measures, including deployment of a team of experts to the area.

She added that other measures include investigating the incident, collecting specimens and conducting laboratory tests.

The minister noted that as of January 15th , this year, laboratory results for all suspected individuals tested negative for Marburg Virus.

Ms Mhagama said that the government is closely monitoring the disease and it will be updating the public accordingly. MVD is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus.

The disease is characterised by sudden onset fever, severe headache, muscle pain and in many cases, bleeding (hemorrhagic fever).

Historically, Tanzania has not been a hotspot for MVD outbreaks, but vigilance remains critical. In the past, MVD cases were documented in countries like Uganda, Kenya and Angola, with Tanzania maintaining robust surveillance to prevent cross-border transmission.

For instance, in 2017, there were concerns about potential cross-border threats following a Marburg outbreak in Uganda near the Tanzanian border.

Fortunately, coordinated efforts between the two countries prevented the disease from spreading into Tanzania. The suspected cases in Kagera Region highlight the importance of maintaining preparedness and rapid response mechanisms.

Kagera, located in the northwestern part of Tanzania, shares borders with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, making it a critical region for disease surveillance due to the high volume of crossborder movements.

In 2023, Tanzania faced its first confirmed MVD outbreak in Bukoba, also in Kagera Region.

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The outbreak was managed effectively, with only a handful of cases reported, thanks to swift government intervention and collaboration with local and international partners.

The Ministry of Health established isolation centres, provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers, and conducted extensive community sensitisation campaigns to control the spread of the virus.

Learning from past experiences, the Tanzanian government has improved its capacity to handle potential outbreaks.

Surveillance teams are well-trained, and laboratory facilities have been upgraded to provide rapid diagnostic services.

The government’s approach underscores its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring prompt responses to emerging health threats.

The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain calm and adhere to preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with suspected cases and maintaining good hygiene practices.

The government has also emphasised the importance of timely reporting of any unusual illnesses or deaths, particularly in border regions.

As the situation in Kagera evolves, the Ministry of Health is working closely with regional and international partners to ensure any potential cases are contained swiftly.

The proactive stance taken by the government reflects a strong commitment to public health and regional stability.