Tanzania confirms five deaths from Marburg virus in the country

Marburg virus was detected for the second time in West Africa in Ghana (Illustration image). © CDC/ Dr. Frederick Murphy

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Tanzania confirms the presence of Marburg virus on its soil for the first time. Five people have already been killed by the virus detected in the Kagera region of northwestern Tanzania, near the border with Uganda. The Ministry of Health assures that everything is done to contain its spread.

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With our correspondent in the region, Florence Morice

The first suspected cases were reported last week in the villages of Bulinda and Butayibega. All patients had similar symptoms of Marburg virus: fever, vomiting, bleeding or kidney failure.

Same Ebola family

Marburg virus infection was confirmed by analysis of samples collected by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health. Of eight patients reported to be infected, five died. The other three are currently hospitalized.

This virus, which appeared in Germany in the 60s, belongs to the same family as Ebola. It is transmitted in the same way: through blood contact or other bodily fluids. Its case fatality rate is between 24 and 88%, according to the WHO and no vaccine, or targeted therapy, exists at the moment.

« Keep one's cool »

Tanzanian Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu, however, is calling on people to "remain calm". She assures that everything is in place to "contain the spread of the virus". 161 contact cases have been identified and are under surveillance.

Uganda, which neighbours the affected Kagera region, said it was "on high alert". For its part, WHO welcomed the rapid reaction of the Tanzanian authorities, which contrasts with the attitude of the administration under former President Magufuli. The latter had denied the presence of Covid-19 in the country and refused to cooperate with the World Health Organization.

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  • Tanzania
  • Health and medicine
  • Society
  • WHO
  • Coronavirus
  • Uganda