Tanzania has declared the end of the Marburg virus disease epidemic. The country reported its first outbreak of this disease last March, in the Kagera region.
Tanzania today declared the end of the Marburg virus disease outbreak. This was the first outbreak of this disease in the country. Tanzania announced the first case of the disease last March, in the Kagera region, in the northwest of the country. The outbreak has resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
Read also: Tanzania: First outbreak of Marburg virus disease kills 5 in Kagera
The last case tested negative on April 19.
The outbreak was announced after laboratory tests confirmed that the cause of reported deaths and illnesses in the region was the Marburg virus. Thus, national health authorities, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and partner organizations, have put in place an immediate response to the epidemic in order to stop the spread of the virus. “The last confirmed case tested negative on the second Marburg test on April 19, triggering the mandatory 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over”indicates a communiqué of the WHO.
Response measures with the support of the WHO
To support national efforts, the WHO office in Tanzania has deployed outbreak response experts. These measures have strengthened surveillance, testing, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, treatment and community engagement. WHO and partners have shipped nearly three tons of personal protective equipment. The organization is also working with the Ministry of Health to support survivors of the disease. “Through these efforts, Tanzania was able to end this outbreak and limit the potentially devastating effects of a highly infectious disease. said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Marburg’s death rate can reach 88%
Marburg disease is very virulent. According to the WHO, it causes hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 88%. This disease belongs to the same family as the virus responsible for the Ebola virus disease. It begins abruptly with a high fever, severe headaches and severe malaise. There are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments to treat the virus. However, supportive care, oral or intravenous rehydration, and treatment of specific symptoms improve the chances of survival.
Read also: WHO to conduct Marburg virus vaccine trials in Tanzania and Guinea
2023-06-02 16:18:00
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