Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Virus Case, Mobilizes Response

Tanzania has confirmed a new outbreak of the Marburg virus in the Kagera region, with one case officially identified and 25 suspected cases, following earlier denials of a WHO report indicating an outbreak. President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the situation during a press briefing, emphasizing the government's commitment to controlling the spread of the virus, which is known for its high fatality rate. The Africa CDC is mobilizing a team of public health experts to assist local authorities, while the WHO has pledged $3 million to support response efforts. The recent cases come after a previous outbreak in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths in the same region. With neighboring Rwanda recently declaring its outbreak over, there are heightened concerns about cross-border transmission and the potential for further infections. Health officials are considering the use of experimental treatments and vaccines to manage this highly infectious disease.