Eight individuals have tragically lost their lives in Tanzania due to a suspected outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the Kagera region. In light of this situation, health officials are advising against imposing travel and trade restrictions with Tanzania.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded by issuing a high alert for neighboring countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique. WHO emphasized the importance of strengthening surveillance and response capacities at relevant entry points and enhancing collaboration with neighboring countries to standardize reporting mechanisms.
Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics available for MVD, although several candidate vaccines are in development. Experts note that outbreaks provide a crucial opportunity to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these potential vaccines.
To mitigate the risk of human-to-human transmission, the public has been alerted to avoid close contact with infected patients and their bodily fluids. Individuals suspected or confirmed to have MVD are urged to seek immediate medical attention and be isolated in designated treatment centers.
Family and community members are advised not to care for symptomatic individuals at home, handle the bodies of those who have succumbed to MVD, or touch potentially contaminated items and surfaces. They should also seek assessment and treatment for any symptoms.
To further reduce the risk of bat-to-human transmission, individuals are encouraged to avoid prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies. When engaging in activities in such areas, it is essential to wear gloves, protective clothing, and masks. During outbreaks, ensuring that all animal products are thoroughly cooked before consumption is also recommended.
As the situation develops, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
