On Wednesday, Tanzania’s Health Minister Jenista Mhagama announced that all tests conducted by January 15 were negative. The statement followed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) alert regarding Marburg disease.
The WHO issued a high alert for Kenya and five neighboring countries after reports of eight deaths in Tanzania’s Kagera region. The Ministry of Health received reports of the Marburg outbreak and took immediate action. A team of experts was dispatched to investigate, collect samples, and conduct laboratory tests.
“As of January 15, 2025, laboratory tests have not confirmed the Marburg virus,” Mhagama said.
The Ministry reassured both the public and international community that disease surveillance has been strengthened. Ongoing efforts will continue to provide updates.
The WHO also issued an alert for surrounding countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. “Nine suspected cases, including eight deaths, have been reported across two districts in Tanzania,” the WHO stated.
The WHO emphasized the need to enhance surveillance and response capacities at key entry points. It also called for improved collaboration between neighboring countries for reporting.
Reports from local sources indicated that six people in Kagera had been infected, five of whom died by January 10. The cases presented symptoms such as fever, headache, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting with blood, and external bleeding.
On January 11, nine suspected cases were reported in Biharamulo and Muleba, with a fatality rate of 89%. “Samples from two patients were collected and sent to the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending,” the WHO said.
National rapid response teams have been deployed to support investigation and response efforts. Surveillance and contact tracing are ongoing. A mobile laboratory has been set up in Kagera, and treatment units have been established.
