The World Health Organisation has put Kenya and five other countries on high alert over Marburg disease after the death of Eight people in the Kagera region, in Tanzania.
In a statement on January 15, the WHO issued the alert in neighbouring countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique.
“So far, we are aware of nine suspected cases including eight deaths across two districts in Tanzania,” WHO said.
The Organisation said Surveillance and response capacities should be strengthened at relevant points of entry.
“Collaboration with neighbouring countries should be enhanced to harmonize reporting mechanisms,” WHO noted.
According to WHO, reports from in-country sources noted that six people were infected in Kagera, five of whom died on January 10 2025.
“The cases presented with similar symptoms of headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, haematemesis (vomiting with blood), malaise (body weakness) and, at a later stage of disease, external haemorrhage (bleeding from orifices),” WHO noted.
A day later, nine suspected cases were reported including eight deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89 per cent) across two districts – Biharamulo and Muleba.
“Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending official confirmation. Contacts, including healthcare workers, are reported to have been identified and under follow-up in both districts,” WHO said.
National rapid response teams have been deployed to support outbreak investigation and response; surveillance activities have been intensified with contact tracing ongoing; laboratory samples from recent cases have been sent for confirmation at the National Public Health Laboratory.
“A mobile laboratory is located in the Kagera region and treatment units have reportedly been established,” it said.
WHO assessment Risk level
The Organisation noted that the source of the outbreak is currently unknown.
“The reporting of suspected MVD cases from two districts suggests geographic spread. The delayed detection and isolation of cases, coupled with ongoing contact tracing, indicates lack of a full information on the current outbreak. More cases are expected to be identified,” WHO said.
It indicated that the regional risk is considered high due to the Kagera region’s strategic location as a transit hub, with significant cross-border movement of the population to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Reportedly, some of the suspected cases are in districts near international borders, highlighting the potential for spread into neighbouring countries. MVD is not easily transmissible. However, it cannot be excluded that a person exposed to the virus may be travelling,” WHO added.
Protective measures individuals should take include
Reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community arising from direct or close contact with infected patients, particularly with their body fluids. Close physical contact with MVD patients should be avoided.
People suspected or confirmed for MVD should immediately seek care in health facilities and be isolated in a designated treatment centre for early care and to avoid transmission at home.
Community and family members should avoid caring for symptomatic individuals at home, and avoid touching bodies of people deceased with MVD symptoms.
They should avoid touching other potentially contaminated items and surfaces. They should be encouraged to go to a health facility for assessment and treatment if they have symptoms.
Reduce the risk of bat-to-human transmission arising from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies.
During work or research activities or tourist visits in mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, people should wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing (including masks).
During outbreaks, all animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
by NANCY AGUTU
