The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced on January 20 that it is mobilizing significant support to assist Tanzania in containing the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. Following the confirmation of one case and the identification of 25 suspected cases in the Kagera region, Africa CDC is committing $2 million to bolster immediate response efforts, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed the country’s second Marburg virus outbreak in two years during a joint news conference with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Laboratory tests conducted in Kagera and Dar es Salaam confirmed one case in Biharamulo District. This outbreak follows the March 2023 outbreak in Bukoba District, which resulted in nine cases and six fatalities.
The African Union’s public health agency is deploying a multidisciplinary team of 12 experts to support Tanzania’s efforts. This team includes specialists in epidemiology, risk communication, infection prevention, and laboratory diagnostics. Africa CDC’s Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, emphasized the importance of swift and decisive action, adding, “Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident this outbreak can be brought under control.”
Africa CDC has also bolstered Tanzania’s diagnostic and sequencing capabilities by dispatching PCR test kits, genomic sequencing reagents, and technical assistance to improve case detection and treatment protocols. The agency pledged to work closely with Tanzania, regional partners, WHO, and other stakeholders to contain the virus and enhance the country’s capacity to manage infectious disease threats.