President Samia Confirms a Case of Marburg Virus in Kagera, WHO Pledges $3 Million in Support

Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has confirmed one case of the deadly Marburg virus in Tanzania’s Kagera region, located approximately 1,450 kilometers northwest of Dar es Salaam. The announcement was made on January 20, 2025, during a meeting with the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma.

Addressing the nation, President Samia stated that the government acted swiftly after rumors of a potential Marburg virus outbreak surfaced in the Kagera region.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you may recall that in recent time rumors about an outbreak of the Marburg virus in Kagera. In response to these rumors, the government took several steps, including conducting investigations on suspected cases in collaboration with local authorities, enhancing surveillance, and deploying emergency response teams to affected areas,” President Samia said.

Confirmed Case in Kagera

President Samia revealed that on January 11, 2025, a team of experts was dispatched to Kagera to assess the situation and keep the public informed. Laboratory tests conducted using a mobile lab in Kabaile, Kagera, and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam, identified one individual as infected with the Marburg virus.

“Fortunately, other individuals suspected of infection tested negative and were found to have different illnesses,” the President added.

The confirmed case marks Tanzania’s second Marburg virus outbreak. The first occurred in March 2023, also in Kagera, but centered in Bukoba District. This time, the outbreak’s epicenter has shifted to Biharamulo District in Kagera.

WHO Pledges Support

Following the government’s announcement, WHO has pledged $3 million from its Emergency Fund to assist Tanzania in managing the outbreak.

“To support Tanzania’s efforts, I am allocating $3 million from WHO’s Emergency Fund, which includes $50,000 previously contributed to aid preliminary investigations. I want to thank our partners, including the European Union, the U.S. and UK governments, and many national and international health organizations, for their collaboration under the leadership of the Government of Tanzania,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.

Dr. Tedros emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that there is currently no proven cure or vaccine for Marburg virus disease.

The Tanzanian government, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, is ramping up efforts to control the outbreak and ensure public safety. This includes enhancing surveillance, community engagement, and the deployment of health professionals to manage the response in affected areas.

The Marburg virus, a highly contagious disease with a fatality rate of up to 88%, is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Public health authorities have urged vigilance and cooperation to prevent the virus’s spread.