WHO investigates Marburg outbreak after 8 deaths in Tanzania; virus is related to Ebola and has a 90% fatality rate

 The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday (14) that it is investigating a possible outbreak of the Marburg virus in Tanzania. The disease has caused around 8 deaths in the Kagera region. 

 

In a statement released worldwide, the entity said that as of last Saturday, around 9 suspected cases had been reported, including 8 deaths, in the districts of Biharamulo and Muleba. So far, the virus has a lethality rate of 89%, according to a report by O GLOBO. 

“Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. The results are awaiting official confirmation. There are reports that contacts, including healthcare workers, have been identified and are being followed up in both districts,” the health authority said.

 

The WHO explained that patients presented symptoms such as headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, hematemesis (vomiting blood), malaise (weakness in the body) and, in a more advanced stage of the disease, external hemorrhage (bleeding from orifices).

According to the publication, the agency classified the risk of Marburg in Tanzania as “high”, due to factors such as the high lethality and the unknown origin of the outbreak. It was highlighted that health professionals are included among the suspected cases. 

 

The organization, however, stated that the global risk remains “low” and that so far there are no records of spread to other countries, even though there are concerns about the possible risks. 

 

Marburg is a rare virus from the Filoviridae family, where Ebola originated. The disease has one of the highest fatality rates ever recorded. The mortality rate of Marburg can reach around 88% of those infected.

 

Hemorrhagic fever that begins abruptly, with high temperatures, headache and intense malaise are among the causes. According to the WHO, most patients develop serious symptoms within seven days. There are still no vaccines or antiviral treatments available, although a number of drugs are being tested.

Transmission occurs through fruit bats, which feed on fruit. The virus can be spread to humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people and through infected surfaces and materials.