The Tanzanian government has firmly rejected concerns raised by the World Health Organization (WHO) over a potential outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the country.
Responding to the WHO’s alert last week about unconfirmed reports of a Marburg outbreak, Tanzanian health authorities have categorically stated that their extensive investigations have found no signs of the virus in the country.
“We have not found any evidence of the Marburg virus in Tanzania,” said Dr. Amina Lwakabamba, the Tanzanian Health Minister. “Our health systems remain on high alert, but there is no cause for alarm at this time, contrary to the concerns raised by the WHO.”
The WHO had previously expressed concern over the unconfirmed reports and urged Tanzania to be vigilant and report any suspected cases immediately.
However, the Tanzanian government has firmly rejected the WHO’s worries, insisting that thelr thorough investigations have yielded no signs of a Marburg outbreak in the country.
At a virtual press conference from Geneva on Thursday, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tanzania should “send the samples it has collected to international reference laboratories and to collect additional samples in accordance with normal procedure.” WHO is supporting the Tanzanian government and is ready to provide additional help if needed, he added.
Tanzania suffered its first Marburg outbreak in 2023, recording nine cases, including six deaths, in the same area.
Marburg is a rare but severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus. It is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads through human-to-human transmission. Outbreaks typically occur sporadically in parts of Africa.
Tanzanian authorities have assured the public that they will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with international health organizations to ensure the country remains free of the deadly Marburg virus.
