The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the potential spread of the Marburg Virus following an outbreak in Tanzania. The virus has caused alarm in East Africa, with eight deaths linked to hemorrhagic fever, which shares symptoms with Ebola. WHO expressed concerns about the heightened risk of transmission within Tanzania and neighboring areas.
Although the virus is not easily transmitted, WHO noted that travel could increase the risk of its spread. The global risk remains low, with no confirmed international cases yet, but authorities emphasize the need for strong surveillance to control its spread.
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WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus stated that there have been several reported cases, including eight suspected fatalities, and warned that more cases are expected. WHO officials pledged full support to the Tanzanian government and local communities affected by the outbreak.
The Kagera region in Tanzania, where the Marburg Virus was first detected last year, remains a hotspot for the disease. The previous outbreak in the area resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
The Marburg Virus is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate. Its symptoms include fever, rash, bleeding, and organ failure. WHO has assessed the risk of further spread as high, citing the virus’s fatality rate, an unknown outbreak source, and the expansion of cases across multiple districts.
Despite these concerns, officials have urged Tanzania to prepare for more cases, although no travel or trade restrictions have been recommended at this time.
