Suspected outbreak of deadly Marburg virus disease kills eight in Tanzania
Guardian6 days
Tanzania Faces New Deadly Marburg Outbreak, WHO Warns
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Above: Scientists study how the bats transmit the Marburg virus to humans in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda on Aug. 28, 2018. Image copyright: Bonnie Jo Mount/Contributor/The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Facts
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported nine suspected cases of Marburg Virus Disease in Tanzania's Kagera region, including eight deaths, resulting in an 89% case fatality ratio as of January 11, 2025.
The outbreak has affected two districts — Biharamulo and Muleba — with patients presenting symptoms including headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, while healthcare workers are among those infected.
The Spin
Narrative A
The rapid response and containment measures implemented by Tanzanian authorities demonstrate a strong commitment to controlling the outbreak, with mobile laboratories and treatment units already established. The country's experience from the previous outbreak in 2023 has better prepared the healthcare system to handle this new challenge.
Establishment-critical narrative
Diseases such as Marburg and MPox show the strains and vulnerability in East African healthcare systems. While nations like Tanzania have made progress, the reality of these diseases is that they are extremely disruptive. Vaccines should be rushed to completion and the global community must provide support.
