Tanzania has confirmed its first case of the Marburg virus in 2025, which occurred in Biharamulo District in Kagera Region, located in the northeastern part of the country. This marks the second outbreak of the deadly disease, which in 2023 occurred in Bukoba District in the same region.
Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan stated that the government took numerous measures following rumors of the outbreak in early January, 2025. These measures included investigating suspected individuals, working with local authorities, and establishing emergency response teams.
“Laboratory tests conducted at the Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera, and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam, identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus,” President Samia said. “Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative for other illnesses.”
The confirmation comes amid confusion after WHO reported eight deaths from suspected Marburg virus infections in Kagera last week. The Ministry of Health disputed these claims, stating that samples from suspected individuals showed no traces of the virus. However, no official explanation has been provided for the reported fatalities.
READ MORE: Tanzania Declared Free From Marburg Virus Disease
Despite the conflicting reports, WHO has praised Tanzania’s swift action in deploying emergency teams and initiating surveillance. Dr. Tedros pledged $3 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support the response, in addition to a previous contribution of $50,000.
“This outbreak requires a collective effort,” Dr. Tedros said. “There’s no approved treatment or vaccine for Marburg, so prevention and control are our strongest tools.”
It should be noted that on January 16, 2025, the political opposition party ACT Wazalendo criticized the government’s handling of the outbreak, calling for clarity on the fatalities reported by WHO. Shadow Health Minister Dr. Elizabeth Sanga questioned the ministry’s denial.
“The Ministry must clarify who was tested and whether those who died were infected or not,” Dr. Sanga said in a statement. She urged the government to collaborate openly with international health bodies instead of issuing blanket denials.
READ MORE: ‘No Cause for Concern’: Tanzania Briefs Foreign Ambassadors on the Status of Marburg Virus Disease
The Marburg virus, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever, is highly contagious and often fatal. Symptoms include high fever, back pain, vomiting blood, and internal and external bleeding. WHO has warned that the proximity of Kagera Region to neighboring countries elevates the risk of cross-border transmission.
Health experts have emphasized the importance of community awareness, robust surveillance, and international cooperation to prevent further spread.
