Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed Monday that a sample from the Kagera region tested positive for Marburg virus disease, marking the second outbreak of the virus in the country.
“Laboratory tests conducted at Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative for other illnesses,” Hassan said.
Hassan noted that the first outbreak of Marburg virus disease occurred in March 2023, also in the Kagera region.
Of 26 samples tested, 25 were negative. The confirmation comes just days after the country’s health minister said there were no cases of the disease in Tanzania.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there is no cause for alarm.
“Considering the low global risk and the strong capabilities of the Tanzanian government, WHO advises against restrictions on trade and travel to the country. And as Her Excellency said, Tanzania is open for business,” Tedros said.
Marburg virus is a highly infectious disease that can be fatal in most cases if left untreated. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death from significant blood loss.