Marburg Virus Outbreak Claims Eight Lives in Tanzania

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania's Kagera region, with at least eight fatalities among nine suspected cases. The WHO has assessed the outbreak risk as high at both national and regional levels due to the area's strategic location, which facilitates cross-border movement with neighboring countries. Symptoms reported include severe headache, high fever, and external hemorrhaging, mirroring those of Ebola. While the global risk is currently deemed low, health authorities are closely monitoring contacts of infected individuals, including healthcare workers, amid fears of further spread. There are no confirmed treatments or vaccines for Marburg, and the outbreak follows a recent one in Rwanda, which was declared over after infecting 66 individuals and resulting in 15 deaths. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that more cases are expected as surveillance improves.