Close Menu
Newsy Tribune
  • Home
  • News
    • United States
    • Europe
    • Canada
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • South America
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Money
  • Sports
  • Tech
Trending

Bachelor Nation’s Kelsey Anderson Explains Why She Got Veneers

February 24, 2025

Indonesian President Prabowo’s quest for food security faces challenges

February 24, 2025

Dodgers' Bobby Miller 'very confident' he can start throwing again soon after scary head injury, manager says

February 24, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Trending
  • Bachelor Nation’s Kelsey Anderson Explains Why She Got Veneers
  • Indonesian President Prabowo’s quest for food security faces challenges
  • Dodgers' Bobby Miller 'very confident' he can start throwing again soon after scary head injury, manager says
  • Trump posts SpongeBob meme to poke fun at outrage over Elon Musk’s email asking federal workers what they did last week
  • Jane Fonda’s Political Stand Steals the Spotlight at SAG Awards
  • Border Patrol taking control of former USAID HQ
  • Sharon Osbourne Admits the ‘Biggest Mistake’ She Ever Made with Husband Ozzy Osbourne
  • Why Trump’s ‘Mar-A-Lago Accord’ Would Financially Matter To You
Login
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, May 9
Newsy Tribune
Subscribe Newsletter
  • Home
  • News
    • United States
    • Europe
    • Canada
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • South America
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Money
  • Sports
  • Tech
Newsy Tribune
Home»News»Africa
Africa

WHO Confirms Eight Fatalities in Suspected Marburg Outbreak in Tanzania, Warns of Potential Further Spread

News RoomBy News RoomJanuary 15, 2025
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram Email WhatsApp Copy Link

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in Tanzania, raising concerns about the potential for widespread transmission and highlighting the urgent need for effective control measures. With at least eight fatalities among nine reported suspected cases, the outbreak underscores the high case-fatality rate associated with this viral hemorrhagic fever, which can reach up to 88%. The affected area, Kagera region in northwestern Tanzania, serves as a transit hub with significant cross-border movement, increasing the risk of spread to neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Marburg virus, belonging to the same family as the Ebola virus, poses a significant threat to public health due to its rapid transmission and the lack of approved vaccines or treatments. Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, as well as contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. Initial symptoms often resemble those of other infectious diseases, making early diagnosis challenging. As the disease progresses, it manifests as a severe hemorrhagic fever characterized by high fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and bleeding from various orifices.

The current outbreak in Tanzania follows a recent Marburg outbreak in neighboring Rwanda, which infected at least 66 people and resulted in 15 deaths. The proximity of these outbreaks emphasizes the need for regional collaboration in implementing control measures and preventing further spread. The WHO and other international health organizations are actively supporting Tanzania’s response to the outbreak, including enhancing surveillance, contact tracing, and infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings.

Given the high fatality rate and the potential for rapid transmission, the WHO has assessed the regional risk of further spread as “high,” emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts to contain the outbreak. The global risk remains assessed as “low,” but the potential for international spread cannot be ignored. The WHO is working closely with neighboring countries to strengthen their preparedness and response capacities, including surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, and case management.

The absence of approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg virus disease poses a significant challenge in managing outbreaks. Supportive care, including fluid replacement and management of bleeding complications, is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Research and development efforts are underway to develop effective antiviral drugs and vaccines against Marburg virus. Until such interventions become available, prompt diagnosis, isolation of infected individuals, and strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures remain the most effective strategies for containing outbreaks.

The recent outbreaks of Marburg virus in East Africa highlight the importance of strengthening global health security and investing in research and development for neglected tropical diseases. Improving surveillance systems, enhancing diagnostic capacity, and promoting community engagement are essential elements of a comprehensive approach to preventing and controlling future outbreaks. International collaboration and coordination are paramount in responding effectively to emerging infectious disease threats and protecting global public health. The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and provide technical assistance to affected countries to help them contain the outbreak and minimize its impact.

Related Articles

Ever wonder why Africa’s borders appear so strange?

The Dark Side of Conservation | True Crime Reports

Mali’s army says investigating soldiers accused of killing 24 civilians

What can stop M23 advance in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

South Africa and Rickelton routs Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

From Zhōngguó to Magyarország on Int’l Mother Language Day

Editors Picks

Indonesian President Prabowo’s quest for food security faces challenges

February 24, 2025

Dodgers' Bobby Miller 'very confident' he can start throwing again soon after scary head injury, manager says

February 24, 2025

Trump posts SpongeBob meme to poke fun at outrage over Elon Musk’s email asking federal workers what they did last week

February 24, 2025

Jane Fonda’s Political Stand Steals the Spotlight at SAG Awards

February 24, 2025

Latest Updates

Border Patrol taking control of former USAID HQ

February 24, 2025

Sharon Osbourne Admits the ‘Biggest Mistake’ She Ever Made with Husband Ozzy Osbourne

February 24, 2025

Why Trump’s ‘Mar-A-Lago Accord’ Would Financially Matter To You

February 24, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest TikTok Instagram
© 2025 Newsy Tribune. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of service
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below.

Lost password?