Tanzania confirms Marburg Virus outbreak


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Mobilizes international support for containment efforts

Tanzania's President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the Kagera Region of northwestern Tanzania on January 20, 2025. The country has reported one confirmed case and 25 suspected cases, following laboratory tests that identified the infection. This outbreak marks Tanzania’s second encounter with the virus, following a previous outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.

The Marburg virus is a highly infectious disease, with a fatality rate as high as 88%. It is from the same family as the Ebola virus and is transmitted to humans primarily through fruit bats and monkeys. Victims present with symptoms typical of viral hemorrhagic fevers, including fever, headache, back pain, muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting blood, and external bleeding.

In response to the outbreak, the government initiated a rapid response plan, dispatching a team of public health experts to the area to monitor suspected cases and contain the spread. While 25 suspected cases have tested negative for the virus, the government has increased surveillance and response efforts to prevent further transmission.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged $3 million from its contingency fund to support Tanzania’s efforts in containing the outbreak. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of continued investment in response capacity, which has been bolstered by Tanzania’s experience in managing the 2023 outbreak.

Simultaneously, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is mobilizing immediate support, committing $2 million to help Tanzania manage the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts, including epidemiologists, risk communication specialists, and infection prevention and control (IPC) experts, will be deployed to the region in the next 24 hours. Africa CDC’s support also includes the provision of diagnostic kits, genomic sequencing reagents, and technical assistance to enhance case detection and improve treatment protocols.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, expressed solidarity with Tanzania, highlighting the importance of swift action and coordinated efforts. “Building on Tanzania’s response capabilities from the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that, with our combined support, this outbreak will be controlled quickly,” he said.

This coordinated response effort, involving both international organizations like WHO and Africa CDC, as well as the Tanzanian government, underscores the urgent need for collaboration in managing the spread of the Marburg virus in the region. 

For more information:

Tanzania President Press Conference on MVD

Marburg Key Facts, Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Tanzania Travel Advisory

MoH Press Release on Marburg

 



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Acute respiratory infections and malaria causes of mysterious illness in DRC - WHO


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The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 27 December 2024  provided an update on the mysterious disease outbreak in the Panzi health zone, Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Initially reported as an undiagnosed illness on November 29, the outbreak is now identified as a combination of acute respiratory infections and falciparum malaria, compounded by severe malnutrition.

Since the alert, 891 cases and 48 deaths, predominantly among children under five, have been reported across 25 of Panzi’s 30 health areas. Enhanced surveillance has revealed a mix of symptoms including fever, cough, and body weakness, with many cases linked to common respiratory viruses (e.g., Influenza A, SARS-CoV-2) and malaria.

Preliminary findings

Laboratory tests on 430 samples indicate:

  • 62% tested positive for malaria.
  • 64 samples showed infections with respiratory viruses like Influenza A, rhinoviruses, and SARS-CoV-2.

Severe malnutrition, affecting nearly half the children under five in the area, has exacerbated the impact of these diseases.

Response efforts

Authorities, with support from WHO, Africa CDC, and UNICEF, have intensified their response:

  • Surveillance: Active case searching and enhanced data collection continue in affected areas.
  • Case management: Health workers are receiving training, and essential supplies, including oxygen concentrators, are being delivered to facilities.
  • Laboratory testing: Further virological and bacterial analysis is underway to refine understanding of the outbreak.
  • Risk Communication: Public awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage early care-seeking and preventive behaviors.

Challenges and broader implications

Kwango Province faces a crisis of food insecurity and malnutrition, classified as IPC Phase 3 (Serious) and projected to worsen. Malnutrition weakens immunity, increasing vulnerability to infections and worsening disease outcomes. Limited healthcare access, shortages of medical supplies, and poor infrastructure compound the crisis.

The outbreak highlights the urgent need to:

  1. Strengthen healthcare systems and access to treatment.
  2. Address food insecurity and malnutrition.
  3. Improve surveillance and response capacities in remote, vulnerable regions.

While risks remain localized to Panzi, the event underscores the critical intersection of health, nutrition, and poverty in driving preventable deaths. Continued international support is vital to mitigate the crisis and prevent similar outbreaks elsewhere in the country.

Read full WHO report here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON547



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EAC deploys experts to combat Mpox outbreak


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For the first time, the East African Community (EAC) is operationalising its Rapidly Deployable Expert (RDE) Pool in response to an international public health emergency due to the spreading Mpox virus disease outbreak. EAC Partner States such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Burundi are particularly affected, with the DRC reporting over 7,000 confirmed cases by end of October 2024, around 40% of them among children under 15.

The Rapidly Deployable Expert (RDE) Pool is a specialized team of trained health professionals and other experts within the East African Community (EAC) that can be quickly mobilized to assist member states in managing public health emergencies. The RDE Pool brings together experts in fields like epidemiology, environment, IT, laboratory science, logistics, risk communication, and clinical management, providing immediate, hands-on support in disease surveillance, response coordination, and healthcare provision during outbreaks. By deploying the RDE Pool, EAC enhances regional preparedness and strengthens each member state's capacity to address complex health crises effectively and efficiently. Read more on this link .



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East Africa's 2024 end of year forecast: Drought in the east, rain in the west


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The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has released its October to December 2024 seasonal forecast, revealing contrasting weather patterns across East Africa. Drier-than-normal conditions are expected in the eastern parts of the region, particularly in southern Ethiopia, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and central and southern Tanzania. These areas face increased risks of drought, which could exacerbate food insecurity and affect livelihoods. On the other hand, western parts, including northern Uganda, western Kenya, northern Tanzania, southern Burundi, and parts of Rwanda, are predicted to receive above-normal rainfall, likely boosting agricultural productivity and water availability.

This forecast highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to mitigate the impacts of these climate extremes. Warmer-than-average temperatures are also expected across the region, with the highest probabilities in eastern Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. In contrast, cooler conditions are anticipated in northern Tanzania and parts of Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. Experts, including IGAD's Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, stress the importance of early warning systems and preparedness efforts to address the region's food security challenges and build resilience against the growing threat of climate change.

Read more on this link



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U.S. provides over $4 Million for Mpox response in Uganda


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The United States has committed $4.1 million (15 billion UGX) and 5,500 mpox tests to support Uganda's response to the Mpox outbreak. The funding will be channeled through various partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the University Research Collaborative (URC). Additionally, $1.7 million will support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in managing mpox screenings at Uganda’s border crossings, refugee settlements, and host communities. This effort is part of the broader U.S.-Uganda partnership to strengthen health systems and prevent the spread of the virus.

U.S. Ambassador William Popp emphasized the importance of a healthy Uganda, noting that the U.S. partnership aims to build Uganda’s long-term capacity to respond to health crises. The U.S. has a longstanding role in Uganda’s healthcare, having helped establish over 70 accredited laboratories since 2015. In refugee areas, the U.S. funds screening efforts and builds treatment centers, and U.S. agencies continue to assist Uganda's Emergency Operations Centers. For more details, read the full press release .



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UK bolsters support to combat Mpox and Marburg Virus in DRC, Uganda


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The UK has announced a significant package of support to help tackle the outbreaks of Mpox and Marburg virus in central Africa. This includes up to £9 million in funding to bolster efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and other affected countries. UK experts from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team have been deployed to provide technical expertise to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, assisting in strengthening surveillance systems, healthcare services, and community awareness. Additionally, the UK is collaborating with Rwanda to support its response to the Marburg virus outbreak, mobilizing £1.9 million in aid to provide expertise and enhance outbreak management.

This assistance comes at a critical time, as Africa faces significant public health challenges from both diseases. The UK's partnership with organizations like UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Africa CDC aims to not only respond to these immediate threats but also build long-term resilience in healthcare systems across the region. The funds will contribute to saving lives, protecting vulnerable communities, and strengthening health systems to safeguard the continent against future outbreaks.

Read more on this link



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EAC calls for coordinated response against Marburg Virus outbreak


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Marburg Vrus outbreak

East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 4th October, 2024:  The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has called for a swift and coordinated regional response to contain the ongoing Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak declared in Rwanda. The outbreak poses a serious threat to regional health security and requires urgent action from all EAC Partner States to prevent its spread across borders.

On the 27th September 2024 Rwanda’s Ministry of Health declared the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak and as of 30th September, 2024 there were 29 confirmed cases and 10 deaths with more than 297 contacts under close monitoring and healthcare workers have been disproportionately affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the potential regional spread of the disease due to confirmed cases in districts near the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Tanzania.

“There is an urgent need for a coordinated regional response to contain the spread of this highly infectious virus through swift identification, isolation, and treatment of cases and enhanced screening at borders and health facilities,” said Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General, in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social & Political sectors

He called for Partner States to strengthen their public awareness and infection control protocols including handwashing, avoiding physical contact with symptomatic individuals and surveillance at borders and health facilities.  Read more on this link



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EAC, IOM, and GIZ Celebrate Completion of WASH Project and Risk Communication Efforts


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On 31 July 2024, the EAC, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and GIZ, announced the successful conclusion of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project in the region.
The US$2.5 million WASH project commenced in 2021 with the aim of strengthening the capacities of EAC Partner States to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases using hygiene measures, risk communication, and community sensitization.

The three-year project has achieved remarkable milestones, including the installation and renovation of 43 fixed handwashing facilities at the Points of Entry and border hotspots of all seven Partner States, namely Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Read more



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ECDC Updates on Mpox Risk and Recommendations


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On August 16, 2024, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published a Rapid Risk Assessment for the EU/EEA regarding the Mpox epidemic caused by monkeypox virus clade I, with no change in risk levels or recommendations. An epidemiological update on August 26, 2024, reported a total of 102,977 confirmed Mpox cases globally since monitoring began in 2022, with 219 deaths. The majority of cases are from Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Africa CDC declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13, 2024, and the WHO followed by declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14, 2024. The ECDC has issued additional recommendations for Substances of Human Origin (SoHO) professionals, advising careful screening of donors from affected regions and deferral guidelines for those exposed to Mpox.
Read more here

 

 

 

 



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Tanzania has no Mpox case, says government


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As Mpox cases surge in various African countries, the government has assured the public that all measures are being taken to control the virus if cases will occur in the country. On 19th August, 2024, the Ministry of Health updated the public on the threat of Mpox outbreak following the global upsurge of cases, including in some East African countries. Due to this threat the public was advised to take recommended precautions to protect themselves and prevent the disease from entering the country. "I would like to inform you that, until now, no patient has been proven to have Mpox infection in the country. The Ministry of Health continues to take the following measures to prevent Mpox from entering the country," said the statement signed by Tanzania's Minister for Health.

Full statement here



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