Tanzania’s Marburg Virus Outbreak Ends
By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer.
Partial map of Africa showing Tanzania. Click on image to enlarge.
On March 13, 2025, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health officially declared the end of the Marburg virus disease outbreak. This announcement followed 42 days without new infections after the last confirmed patient died on January 28, 2025.
While this news is a relief, it also raises important questions about the nature of the virus, its impact and how African countries can better prepare for potential future outbreaks.
The first known case was an adult female who developed symptoms on December 9, 2024 and died a week later. However, the outbreak was first confirmed on January 20, 2025 in Biharamulo district, Kagera region but sadly, eight other people had died by then.
In total, Tanzania reported:
Efforts to control the spread included tracing and monitoring 272 contacts over 21 days, ensuring that no further transmissions occurred. The World Health Organization, alongside other health partners, provided financial, technical and operational support to Tanzania’s government to contain the outbreak.
Despite the success in stopping the spread, the risk of re-emergence remains due to the presence of the virus in animals, particularly fruit bats, which are known to be natural carriers.
A key factor in the high fatality rate of 100 percent was the late detection of the disease. Eight of the 10 cases were identified only after the individuals had already died.
This highlights a major challenge in managing Marburg virus disease outbreaks: people often do not seek medical attention early enough. Delayed health-seeking behaviour allows the virus to spread undetected and reduces the chances of survival.
Another challenge is the remote nature of some affected communities. Biharamulo district, where the outbreak occurred, is not easily accessible. This slowed down response efforts, including case detection, isolation and treatment.
Several strategies helped Tanzania stop the virus in its tracks:
Authorities tracked and monitored 272 contacts for 21 days to prevent further spread.
Unlike past outbreaks where infected bodies spread the virus, Tanzania ensured dignified but safe burials.
Suspected cases were isolated early, preventing transmission within households.
Public health teams conducted door-to-door sensitization, teaching people about symptoms and prevention.
Cross-border meetings with Uganda and Burundi ensured regional coordination.
Medical personnel received infection prevention training and personal protective equipment (PPE).
A mobile lab was set up in Kagera for quick testing, while samples were also tested at the National Public Health Laboratory in Dar es Salaam.
These measures ensured that no new cases emerged after the last confirmed case died on January 28, 2025.
The recent outbreak in Tanzania is a reminder that African countries must strengthen their preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. Here are some key lessons:
1. Early detection and reporting – The faster a case is identified, the easier it is to contain the outbreak. Strengthening surveillance systems and training healthcare workers to recognise symptoms early is essential.
2. Community engagement – Public awareness campaigns should educate people about Marburg virus disease, including how it spreads and what to do if they develop symptoms. Encouraging prompt medical attention can save lives.
3. Safe burial practices – Traditional burial rites that involve direct contact with the deceased pose a risk. Encouraging safe and dignified burial methods can prevent further spread.
4. Stronger cross-border cooperation – Kagera region, where the outbreak occurred, shares borders with Uganda and Rwanda. Disease surveillance should be a regional effort to prevent cross-border infections.
5. Investment in healthcare infrastructure – Many rural areas lack the necessary medical facilities to handle outbreaks. Governments must invest in healthcare centres, mobile labs and trained personnel to improve response times.
Tanzania’s response to this outbreak was swift and the collaboration between the Ministry of Health, WHO and other health agencies was instrumental in preventing a larger crisis. However, the risk of another outbreak remains and the only way to minimize future losses is through sustained vigilance.
African countries must continue to strengthen health surveillance systems, invest in rapid response teams, and ensure that the public is well-informed about Marburg virus disease. This will not only protect lives but also prevent unnecessary panic and economic disruptions that often accompany such outbreaks.
While the battle against Marburg virus disease is not over, Tanzania’s ability to contain this outbreak in a relatively short period is a step in the right direction. The key now is to learn from this experience and build a more resilient health system that can respond even more effectively when the next outbreak occurs.
Source: World Health Organization Newsroom
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Published: March 23, 2025
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