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Tanzania has rejected reports of a Marburg outbreak in its Kagera region.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Jenista Mhagama stated that all tests conducted as of January 15 were negative.
This follows a World Health Organization (WHO) warning to Kenya and five other neighboring countries about the Marburg virus after reports emerged of eight deaths in Kagera, Tanzania.
“The Ministry of Health received reports about a potential Marburg outbreak in the region. In response, the ministry immediately sent a team of experts to investigate, collect samples, and conduct laboratory tests,” said Mhagama.
“As of January 15, 2025, all test results have shown no presence of the Marburg virus.”
The Ministry reassured the public and the international community that it has enhanced disease surveillance and will continue to provide updates.
On January 15, the WHO issued an alert to nearby countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique.
The WHO reported nine suspected cases, including eight deaths, across two districts in Tanzania.
The organization stressed the need to strengthen surveillance and response at key entry points.
“Collaboration with neighboring countries should be increased to ensure coordinated reporting,” the WHO added.
According to the WHO, local reports indicated that six people in Kagera were infected, five of whom died by January 10, 2025.
The symptoms of the cases included headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting blood, weakness, and later-stage external bleeding.
The following day, nine suspected cases were reported, including eight fatalities, with a case fatality rate of 89% across Biharamulo and Muleba districts.
“Samples from two patients have been taken and sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for testing. Results are pending,” said the WHO.
National rapid response teams have been deployed for investigation and response efforts. Surveillance activities are intensified, with contact tracing ongoing, and laboratory samples from recent cases have been sent for confirmation.
A mobile laboratory has been set up in Kagera, and treatment units have reportedly been established.
